.......Who is the biggest killer of them all?
A thumbs up for Chinese medicine begets a thumbs down for vulnerable species.
Chinese Medicine is going global
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been around since the third century B.C and involves the use of animal parts for pharmaceutical prescriptions. From the common cold to cancer, proponents believe the combined ingredients derived from animals and plants are the cure to all ailments. With a global market that generates $60 billion a year, trade in animal parts thrives. On the hotlist for poachers are antelopes, bears, leopards, musk deers, pangolins, rhinoceros, seals and tigers.
TCM has stood the test of time and gained reputable support in the 21st century. In 2019, the World Health Organisation included the principles of TCM in its global compendium. Having jumped out of the realms of Asia into the International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems (ICD), TCM became enshrined in international medicine. The ICD is the holy bible of global medical practice. It influences how physicians diagnose patients, how medical research progresses, how insurance companies assess coverage and how health officials document epidemiological trends. If TCM becomes mainstream globally, demand for animal parts will rise.
Critics assert the poorly regulated clinical testing of TCM will expose users to medicines that have not undergone rigorous testing (for purity, efficacy, safety and dosage). This spells a double dose of danger, both for poached species and human consumers. As the WHO legitimises TCM, let us uncover the unpalatable victims.
A horn for a horn: the saiga-rhino paradox
Wild and free Saiga's roaming around the Kazakh steppe, upon close inspection, there are only 3 males for every 100 females. Where have the males gone? Their horns are dispersed some 4000km away in Chinese pharmacies, ready for consumption.
Saiga horn is salty and cold, it enters the heart and liver. It has traditionally been used to drain liver heat, calm the liver and treats seizures, fevers, convulsions, rheumatoid arthritis, dizziness, vertigo, delirium and loss of consciousness.
In the early 1990s concerns over rhino poaching led conservationists at WWF to promote saiga horn as an alternative. Yet to be protected by CITIES, saiga’s in Kazakhstan were hunted from a population ~5 million to 50,000 by 2018. The IUCN now classifies saiga as critically endangered. This call for protection does not deter TCM users from consumption of Saiga, evident in Singapore.
A tale of cats without 9 lives
This (sad) video reveals how a top predator becomes prey...
The healing properties of tiger parts remains ardently true by definition for consumers, while the ethical and legal quandaries line up against. With the scarce few tigers left scattered in captivity, reproduction rates are low, thus, conservation efforts need be mighty.
Can TCM coexist with nature?
How can we save vulnerable species from poaching and bring into light the question - what and who deserves saving first - humans or animals? As we ponder over such ethical debates, TCM is on the rise as Asian citizens become wealthier. Similarly, the Chinese government are playing propaganda puppets to rebrand the power of TCM.
However, change has been initiated by forefront institutions. A formal document was issued in 2010 by the World Federation of Chinese Medical Societies, urging participants to abolish the use of parts from endangered species including tiger bone. Neither can the remedy to poaching be tiger farms initiated by the government. This solution proves fallible because the 'farmed' animals are captured from the wild. Furthermore, top down solutions create inevitable loopholes; the trade of animal parts is banned internationally yet the black market of illegal trafficking thrives.
Are innovative solutions worthwhile?
Scientists are researching the use of synthetic compounds to replace the wild product. A Seattle based start-up called Pembient bio-fabricated rhino horn. However, conservationists warn this will stimulate demand when attention should be towards abolishing the use. The novel idea with good intentions only treats the symptom not the cause and masks the root problem of poaching.
Users of TCM explained how synthetic animal would be the last option, with wild animals being the preferred choice, followed by farmed. Fear of being sold fake synthetic products resonates deeply.
Ultimately, TCM is entwined in culturally significant ancient practices. However, in a world where resources are limited, species resilience are being tested. Laws can be created but responsibility lies with consumers as well. Advocates of TCM must be taught about the declining numbers of certain species. Animals that once had abundant populations throughout history, are no longer reproducing to meet the demand. If the animal becomes extinct, their horns, blood and bile will go as well.
Farewell mammals? Farewell medicines... the truth, is hard to digest.
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