No worry over toxicity of TCM, expert maintains
Source: Xinhua |
April 18, 2012, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
A leading traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) expert said yesterday that there is no need to worry about the toxicity of TCM, as the time-honored therapy is backed by developed theories and drug-making techniques.
Zhou Chaofan, a researcher with the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, made the remarks amid Australian researchers' recent accusations. Scientists at Australia's Murdoch University said they found toxins, allergens and traces of endangered animals in DNA sequencing tests conducted on 15 TCM products seized by Australian border authorities, according to a story published in the New Zealand Herald on Friday.
"Some of the TCMs contained plants of the genus Ephedra and Asarum. These plants contain chemicals that can be toxic if the wrong dosage is taken, but none of them actually listed concentrations on the packing," the story quoted lead researcher Michael Bunce as saying.
Zhou said through over 2,000 years of practice, TCM has developed its own theories. "Take Asarum and Ephedra for example," he said, "there has been a long history of using the two herbs."
Guided by developed theories and using proper processing and drug matching techniques, doctors can enhance TCM's efficacy and resolve the toxicity, he said.
"Fifty years into clinical service, I've prescribed the two herbs thousands of times and they have never caused any problems," Zhou said.
He argued that all medicines are somewhat toxic, but if toxic ingredients are used properly their efficacy can be enhanced and their toxicity diminished.
Moreover, Zhou stressed the role of TCM doctors, saying TCM prescriptions are tailor-made to suit patients, so doctors should learn about a patient's health status carefully, prescribe medicines accordingly and advise patients on how to take medicines.
Zhou Chaofan, a researcher with the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, made the remarks amid Australian researchers' recent accusations. Scientists at Australia's Murdoch University said they found toxins, allergens and traces of endangered animals in DNA sequencing tests conducted on 15 TCM products seized by Australian border authorities, according to a story published in the New Zealand Herald on Friday.
"Some of the TCMs contained plants of the genus Ephedra and Asarum. These plants contain chemicals that can be toxic if the wrong dosage is taken, but none of them actually listed concentrations on the packing," the story quoted lead researcher Michael Bunce as saying.
Zhou said through over 2,000 years of practice, TCM has developed its own theories. "Take Asarum and Ephedra for example," he said, "there has been a long history of using the two herbs."
Guided by developed theories and using proper processing and drug matching techniques, doctors can enhance TCM's efficacy and resolve the toxicity, he said.
"Fifty years into clinical service, I've prescribed the two herbs thousands of times and they have never caused any problems," Zhou said.
He argued that all medicines are somewhat toxic, but if toxic ingredients are used properly their efficacy can be enhanced and their toxicity diminished.
Moreover, Zhou stressed the role of TCM doctors, saying TCM prescriptions are tailor-made to suit patients, so doctors should learn about a patient's health status carefully, prescribe medicines accordingly and advise patients on how to take medicines.
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