Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2003; 8: 477
The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of selected anti-inflammatory herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as potential alternatives for rhino horn.
Thirty-one herbs were selected following consultation with TCM practitioners and a review of the existing literature. Authentication of each plant species was confirmed by comparing their chemical profiles with that of an authentic specimen using HPLC-DAD. Sixteen metals and 125 pesticide residues were determined in 16 herbs using ICP-OES and GC-MS, respectively. Anti-inflammatory (NF-κB) and antibacterial (Gram-negative Pseudomonas syringae and Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis) activity of the herb extracts and rhino horn were assessed.
Concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Sn in the herbs were below the permitted guideline levels of 0.3, 20, 10, and 20 ppm, respectively. Pesticide residues were not detected. Extracts of three TCM ‘prescriptions’ with and without rhino horn showed comparable inhibitory activity against P. syringae and B. subtilis. Eleven individual herbs (100 μg/ml) inhibited B. subtilis. At 100 μg/ml Scutellaria baicalensis, Lonicera japonica and Salvia miltiorrhiza showed inhibitory activity against NF-κB. Rhino horn extract showed no activity in the NF-κB and antibacterial assays.
Results from the authentication, metal analysis and pesticide residue tests have shown that the herbs, for this study, are of adequate quality. Rhino horn was not an effective antibacterial or anti-inflammatory agent and therefore, may not contribute to the efficacy of TCM prescriptions. Twelve herbs have been selected for further study in bioassay-guided fractionation.
Jointly funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK, and International Fund for Animal Welfare.
