Abstract

Strategy for Protection and Substitution of Wildlife in Traditional Chinese Medicine

TCM has been accepted worldwide as a source of alternative and complementary medicine. The growing demand in international medicines or health markets has been challenging the natural resources, especially animals-derived products. The use of wildlife is not only argued by the organization of the conservation of biological diversity, but also received increasing concern of animal ethics.

Strategies for protection and substitution of endangered wildlife have been implemented in China, such as substituting wildlife with artificial breeds (Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum, and Fel Ursi), by genetically similar species (Buffalo Horn replacing Asiatic Rhinoceros, Goat Horn replacing Antelope Horn), and by chemical synthesis or cultivation (artificial musk and artificial/cultured Bovis Calculus,as well.

Recently, our team has been committed to the substitution of artificial drainage bear gall with a synthetic biology-based biotransformation product with similar bile acids profile, equivalent pharmacodynamics and safety.

The herb-based substitution of wildlife may be a more promising field. e.g. For the antipyretic, analgesic, antispasmodic function of Rhino horn, there are numerous potential candidate including Lonicerae Flos, Forsythiae Fructus, Herba Solidagonis, Rehmanniae Radix, and Imperatae Rhizoma. Systematic screening and evaluation remain to be carried out.