Open AccessDried seahorse in traditional medicine: A narrative review
Author(s) -
Siukan Law
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
infectious diseases and herbal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2724-5284
DOI - 10.4081/idhm.2021.158
Subject(s) - seahorse , biology , traditional chinese medicine , traditional medicine , zoology , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology
Seahorses are classified as members of Syngnathidae family, which includes pipefishes, pipehorses, and seadragons. China, including Hong Kong, uses 250 tons of seahorses as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) every year. It is popular in Traditional Medicines (TM) especially TMC and its derivatives. The TCM formulations of dried seahorse strengthens the kidney and enhances immunity to treat the aging process. Base on the molecular biology analysis, S6 ribosomal protein gene, S7 ribosomal protein gene, and the S20 ribosomal protein gene have been identified in dried seahorses, which help to reduce the cough symptoms. The present mini-review discusses the background of the use of dried seahorses, the TCM theory, the TCM formulations, the molecular biology, and analysis of its usage in traditional medicine.