Substitutes for endangered medicinal animal horns and shells exposed by antithrombotic and anticoagulation effects

Aim of the studyCornu Saigae Tataricae (antelope horn), Manis Squama (pangolin scale), Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum (velvet antler) and Cornu Bovis grunniens (yak horn) are valuable medicinal animal horns and shells (MAHS). As the major source of biological agents and ethnodrugs, MAHS show pretty good bioactivities. However, with the increased demand for MAHS, some of the medicinal resources are endangered, and there has been a concomitant increase in the prevalence of adulterated or impostor MAHS. It is of great significance to exploit the substitutes for endangered medicinal animal resources. This study is going to provide a new mode for the exploitation of the substitutes of MAHS.Materials and methodsPlasma recalcification time, thrombin time and thrombin consumption were recorded to evaluate the anticoagulation effect of MAHS. Dissolution rate of thrombus in vitro and whole blood–gore were observed to appraise the antithrombotic effect of MAHS.ResultsAll the MAHS involved in this study except Cornu Procaprae Gutturosae (argali horn), Cornu Saigae Tataricae and Cornu Bovis (cattle horn) could not only prolong recalcification time (P < 0.01) and thrombin time (P < 0.01), but also dissolve the thrombus in vitro (P < 0.01) and whole blood–gore (P < 0.01). The bioactivities among MAHS differed greatly from each other.ConclusionsThe results indicate that Cornu Caprae Hircus (goat horn), Cornu Bubali (water buffalo horn) and Trionycis Carapax (turtle shell) are rational to be explored as the substitutes of Cornu Saigae Tataricae, Cornu Bovis grunniens and Manis Squama, respectively. On the contrary, velvet antler is not suitable to be substituted by Cornu Cervi (deerhorn). We presume that the bioactive evaluation methods are effective means of seeking substitutive resources of endangered medicinal animals with the advantages of close correlation to drug action, low dosage, and high sensitiveness.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide