214. Chinese Influence on Western Medicine

I have found a site discussing Chinese influence on western medicine. You might interest in it. In the following I introduce you the site. According to the site, the Western medicine took over some drugs from China, including rhubarb (If you read Dr. Dave Wang’ paper, Benjamin Franklin and China, you will know that Benjamin Franklin promoted to transplant it to North America), iron (for anemia), castor oil, kaolin, aconite, camphor, and Cannabis sativa (Indian hemp).

The Chinese used Chaulmoogra oil for leprosy from at least the 14th century. The herb mahuang (Ephedra vulgaris) has been used in China for at least 4,000 years, and the isolation of the alkaloid ephedrine from it has greatly improved the Western treatment of asthma and similar conditions. However, the most famous and expensive of Chinese remedies is ginseng.

Western analysis has shown that it has diuretic and other properties but is of doubtful value. In recent years RESERPINE, the active principle of the Chinese plant Rauwolfia, has been isolated; it is now effectively used in the treatment of high blood pressure and some emotional and mental conditions. More information concerning Chinese Influence on Western medicine is available from this link.