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“What I appreciate the most is the breadth of experience Dr. Chen shared in reference to each of the formula - some of the uses and combinations are new to me and will be helpful in my clinical practice.” L.C.

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A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF
PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS &
CHINESE MEDICINE FOR HYPERLIPIDEMIA

By John Chen, L.Ac., O.M.D., Pharm.D., Ph.D.

PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS & CHINESE MEDICINE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Hyperlipidemia is the accumulation of abnormally high levels of fats (cholesterols, triglycerides, or both) in the blood. If untreated, hyperlipidemia can significantly increase the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). One of the most common misconceptions about hyperlipidemia is that this condition is “genetically predetermined,” and therefore, can only be treated with pharmaceutical drugs. This is incorrect because diet and lifestyle changes are the most effective prevention and treatment modalities. However, most practitioners and patients are “commercially preconditioned” into believing drugs are the best and only treatment. As such, drugs for hyperlipidemia are now the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States.

WESTERN MEDICAL APPROACH

There are several categories of drugs that may be used to treat hyperlipidemia. The most commonly used category is HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, with examples such as Lipitor (Atorvastatin), Zocor (Simvastatin), and Pravachol (Pravastatin). Also known as “statin” drugs, these drugs reduce plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels by reducing their synthesis in the liver. In most cases, these drugs are effective and are well tolerated. However, these drugs have been shown to cause serious and potentially life-threatening side effects in a small number of patients, such as rhabdomyolysis with kidney failure (0.5%), liver impairment (2.3%), and increased risk of liver cancer. (i) Furthermore, discontinuation of these drugs is frequently associated with a rebound increase of cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Given the potential risks versus benefits, it is important to take drugs only when necessary, and once on drug therapy, be monitored closely by a medical doctor so the drug can be discontinued immediately if these serious side effects begin to develop.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE APPROACH

Hyperlipidemia is diagnosed as the accumulation of damp and phlegm in the blood vessels. This condition may be treated effectively with herbs, with gradual and consistent reduction of plasma cholesterol levels by an average of 10 to 15 mg/dL per month. However, the therapeutic effects of herbs may require 2 to 3 months before they become more noticeable. Herbs commonly used for hyperlipidemia, such as Shan Zha (Crataegus), Jue Ming Zi (Cassia Seed), and Yi Yi Ren (Coix) are generally very well tolerated by patients, and are associated with no known side effects.

SUMMATION

Hyperlipidemia is a serious condition that requires treatment. The best and most effective treatment is diet and lifestyle changes, as outlined earlier in this monograph. Herbal therapy may be added to facilitate and enhance the overall results. Lastly, and only if necessary, drug therapy may be used but only with careful screening and supervision.

REFERENCES
(i) Drug Facts and Comparisons, Updated Monthly. A Wolters Kluwer Company. Page 538. June 2001.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Chen, L.Ac., O.M.D., Pharm.D., Ph.D.

Dr. John Chen is a recognized authority in both western pharmacology and Chinese Herbal Medicine, having combined formal training in both fields with extensive research ‘on the ground’ in China. He teaches at the USC School of Pharmacy, Emperor’s College, Yo San University of TCM, OCOM, Five Branches, AOMA and ACTCM, and has taught numerous professional seminars across the U.S. and internationally. Dr. Chen’s published works include Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (2003, AOM Press) and the upcoming Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications (2008, AOM Press) for which works he is lead author.

This article was taken out of the Clinical Manual of Oriental Medicine, V2 and Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. To order a copy, click here.

To learn more about herbs, John Chen is speaking on the following topic for Lotus Institute. The class is approved for 8 CEUs/PDAs by the California Acupuncture Board and NCCAOM.

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