Buyang Huanwu Decoction

[antiquity]

Wise,

Are any legitimate neurologists in China using this to treat acute SCI?

TIA.

[Wise Young]

Originally Posted by antiquity

Wise,

Are any legitimate neurologists in China using this to treat acute SCI?

TIA.

Antiquity,

I don't know whether Buyang Huanwu Decoction is being used clinically to treat spinal cord injury in China. Many people in China are getting herbal medicines in addition to western medicines. Methylprednisolone is now generic in China and the cost has fallen dramatically. I don't have any data concerning how much it is being used but my impression is that it is being used more than before.

Several groups have reported that it is neuroprotective in stroke (Li, et al., 2003; Cai, et al. 2007), stimulates peripheral nerve regeneration (Chen, et al. 2001), and inhibits atherosclerosis (Abstract from Tsinghua, 2007).

Please note that the decoction consisted of seven kinds of Chinese medicine: astragalus; angelica; ligusticum; paeonia; earthworm; swietenia and carthamus. With the exception of earthworm, I have no idea what the ingredients are. I will ask my friends at Hong Kong University.

Wise.

[antiquity]

Thanks for responding Wise!

I was tinkering around in Pub Med when I saw this abstract: BYHWD rescues axotomized neurons and promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury in rats.

Given China's extensive reliance on natural pharmacologics, I figured if it worked, its use would be widespread there.

Originally Posted by Wise Young

Antiquity,

I don't know whether Buyang Huanwu Decoction is being used clinically to treat spinal cord injury in China. Many people in China are getting herbal medicines in addition to western medicines. Methylprednisolone is now generic in China and the cost has fallen dramatically. I don't have any data concerning how much it is being used but my impression is that it is being used more than before.

Several groups have reported that it is neuroprotective in stroke (Li, et al., 2003; Cai, et al. 2007), stimulates peripheral nerve regeneration (Chen, et al. 2001), and inhibits atherosclerosis (Abstract from Tsinghua, 2007).

Please note that the decoction consisted of seven kinds of Chinese medicine: astragalus; angelica; ligusticum; paeonia; earthworm; swietenia and carthamus. With the exception of earthworm, I have no idea what the ingredients are. I will ask my friends at Hong Kong University.

Wise.