Every so often there are media reports about the use of wild animal parts such as rhino horn and tiger bone in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). There are laws on the mainland banning the use of rare animals in medicine, because poaching and the destruction of natural habitats have put some on the verge of extinction. However, some unscrupulous individuals continue to traffic in them because of the high price they can fetch on the market. TCM emphasises balance and harmony between humans and the environment. According to TCM theory, it’s important that the body reflects the universal order (tian ren he yi). This philosophical perspective meshes with principles of wildlife conservation. Traditional TCM medicine has always included herbs, bark and certain parts of animals in its treatments, but it has always stressed the responsible use and sustainability of these products. However, although TCM uses ancient concepts, it has moved with the times by adopting a scientific approach in carrying out proper clinical trials of its medicines. People with a stake in TCM often seek chemical and biological alternatives to endangered species because they realise that once plants and animals are lost, they’re lost to medicine forever. Although it’s hard to substitute products in TCM because Chinese medicine uses compounds that act synergistically, with several ingredients combining together to give the required effect, research has made headway in finding suitable alternatives, According to TCM theory, rhinoceros horn (right) isn’t an aphrodisiac. It’s prescribed for life-threatening fevers and convulsions and has been clinically shown to have fever-reducing power. Buffalo horn has now replaced rhinoceros horn in prescriptions. Pharmacological studies have shown that buffalo horn also has fever-reducing, heart-strengthening and anti-arteriosclerosis effects. chemical analysis has shown that it has similar constituents to rhinoceros horn, and clinical trials have indicated similar success rates. In TCM, the therapeutic action of tiger bone is related to the channel of liver and kidney. Clinically, it was used for relieving pain, particularly rheumatism, strengthening muscles and bones and treating weakness of the lower limbs due to deficiency of the liver and kidney. Pig bone has now been determined to have similar effects. Clinical trials have shown that pig bone is a good medicine for treating bone fractures and soft tissue injuries. Pharmacological research has also shown that pig bone has anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling effects. Because of persistent unfounded myths in Asia that certain rare wild animals have almost mystical health properties, more education about protected species is needed. Stricter enforcement of wild animal protection laws on the mainland will also help. Make sure that any TCM products you take are from reputable manufacturers or herbalists. Before taking any medicine, consult your TCM or medical practitioner Rose Tse and Jenny Eagleton info@shen-nong.com Edited by Suzanne Harrison suzanne.harrison@scmp.com Published: August 14, 2006 Source: South China Morning Post