Reviews
30 September 2021
Vol. 2 (2021)
https://doi.org/10.4081/idhm.2021.158

Dried seahorse in traditional medicine: A narrative review

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Seahorse, Traditional Chinese medicine
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Authors

Siukan Law
siukanlaw@hotmail.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0454-2048
Department of Science, School of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

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.

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How to Cite



Dried seahorse in traditional medicine: A narrative review. (2021). Infectious Diseases and Herbal Medicine, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/idhm.2021.158

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