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Use of animal products in traditional Chinese medicine: environmental impact and health hazards

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Abstract

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been increasingly practised in many countries of the world. Some recent textbooks of TCM still recommend formulas containing various animal tissues such as tiger bones, antelope, buffalo or rhino horns, deer antlers, testicles and os penis of the dog, bear or snake bile. Usually, animal tissues are combined with medical herbs. In most of the cases, the medical use of the preparations is justified in terms of the rules of TCM. So far, little research has been done to prove the claimed clinical efficacy of TCM animal products. This paper discusses some related ecological, ethico-legal and health concerns such as hunting, breeding and trade with endangered species, risks of transmission of zoonoses, quality of the products, and alternatives to preparations from endangered species.

Section snippets

INTRODUCTION

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been increasingly practised in many countries of the world. Various forms of TCM have been advocated to treat numerous diseases and ailments in humans and animals. It is estimated that at least a quarter of the world’s human population use medical practices based on TCM.1

It is claimed that about 13% of the medicines used by TCM are derived from animals. Contrary to the case of medical herbs,2., 3. the animal-based products and remedies have not been

ECOLOGICAL PROBLEM

Rapidly growing human populations threaten the well-being and existence of many species of vertebrate animals. It has been estimated that approximately one in four mammalian species are at high risk of extinction.4 A similar gloomy situation has been described in the remaining classes of vertebrates including birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes. Biologists agree that, on a worldwide basis, species are vanishing 100 times faster than before the arrival of Homo sapiens.4

This rapid

ETHICAL AND LEGAL ISSUES

Many animal species used in TCM are listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Animals and Plants.19 Consequently, it is illegal to trade in these animals and their products in all member countries. This would automatically exclude medicinal use of any products originating from rhino and tiger, among other species.

Nevertheless, it is a sad reality that this law reinforcement has so far done little to save certain species. For instance, a place on

HEALTH CONCERNS

It is a well-recognized fact that numerous infectious diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans (i.e. zoonoses). In the context of TCM, the possibility of transmission from animal preparations to the patient should be seriously considered. According to a recent review,24 numerous species of primates (monkeys and apes) are under imminent threat of extinction. Several species, such as the very rare Delacour’s Langur from Vietnam, have become a favorite target of hunters because its

SOLUTIONS

The above short review suggests that there are several urgent issues surrounding the use of animal products in TCM. The following suggestions are put forward in an effort to promote safe and sound guidelines for the medical use of TCM animal preparations.

CONCLUSIONS

There are numerous reasons to urgently re-think the medicinal use of animal products in TCM in humans and animals. In doing this, we should particularly take into account the rarity of the species, the unnecessary suffering involved in the process, and the possible health risks linked to the administration of the products. The objective in this regard should be the use of medical preparations and techniques which are safe and beneficial to our patients. Any medicine, including TCM, should be

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Ms. Jacqui Lochner for her technical assistance.

J. Still DVM, M Med Vet (Anaes), P.O. Box 612, Witkoppen 2068, Johannesburg, South Africa. Tel.: +27 11 465 4550; Fax: +27 11 465 4550; E-mail: [email protected]

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    J. Still DVM, M Med Vet (Anaes), P.O. Box 612, Witkoppen 2068, Johannesburg, South Africa. Tel.: +27 11 465 4550; Fax: +27 11 465 4550; E-mail: [email protected]

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