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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.

“I learned many new connections between TCM & Western medication which will help me to mesh both together. Excellent seminars.” M.B.

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF
PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS &
CHINESE MEDICINE FOR PEPTIC ULCER

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

Gastrointestinal disorders are often associated with emotional stress. According to the Five-Element Theory of traditional Chinese medicine, these conditions have excess fire lodged in the Liver and the Stomach, and the symptoms are typical of “wood overacting on earth.”

WESTERN MEDICAL APPROACH

Gastrointestinal conditions, such as gastric or duodenal ulcers, stress ulcers, gastritis and heartburn, are extremely common complaints in developed countries. As a result, many new drugs have been developed in recent years to treat these conditions. Antacids (such as Maalox and Mylanta) neutralize stomach acid, have a quick onset of action but only a short duration. Histamine-2 antagonists (such as Zantac (Ranitidine) and Tagamet (Cimetidine)) have potent effect and medium duration of action and are well-tolerated in most cases. However, they inhibit liver metabolism, and may cause drug-drug and drug-herb interactions and must be monitored carefully. Proton-pump inhibitors (such as Prilosec (Omeprazole) and Protonix (Pantoprazole)) have potent and irreversible effect to inhibit production of stomach acid. Unfortunately, prolonged use may cause atrophic gastritis, and in laboratory studies, stomach cancer in animal subjects. In brief, though these drugs are effective to reduce stomach acid and treat several gastrointestinal conditions, they must be prescribed and monitored carefully.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE APPROACH

These gastrointestinal disorders may be treated effectively with herbs. According to numerous clinical studies, herbs neutralize stomach acid, decrease production and secretion of stomach acid, relieve pain, kill H.pylori, and in severe cases of bleeding ulcers, stop bleeding. Furthermore, herbs are also effective to treat drug- and stress-induced gastrointestinal disorders, two of the main causes. Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae) also has a wide range of antibiotic actions against pathogenic bacteria, virus, and fungus. (i),(ii),(iii) Most importantly, Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae) has excellent properties in treating Helicobacter pylori, a pathogen responsible for chronic and recurrent ulcers in up to 59.6% of the ulcer patients. In one study, it was reported that Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae) has an effective rate of 80 to 85.7% in controlling ulcers due to Helicobacter pylori.(iv) In short, by targeting both symptoms and causes, herbs achieve short- and long-term success to treat many gastrointestinal disorders. However, herbs do have their limitations. In cases of severe peptic ulcers, herbs are not as potent as, and do not last as long as, proton-pump inhibitors. Furthermore, acute cases of profuse gastrointestinal bleeding are medical emergencies, and require immediate medical intervention. Use of herbs is not recommended in these two scenarios.

REFERENCES
(i) Yang, D. et al. Antifungal activity in vitro of scutellaria baicalensis. Ann Pharm Fr; 1995; 53(3):138-41.
(ii) Nagai, T. et al. Antiviral activity of plant flavonoid, 5,7,4-trihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone, from scutellaria baicalensis against influenza A (H3N2) and B viruses. Biol Pharm Bull; Feb 1995; 18(2):195-9.
(iii) Nagai, T. et al. Mode of action of the anti-influenza virus activity of plant flavonoid, 5,7,4-trihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone, from the roots of scutellaria baicalensis. Antiviral Res; Jan 1995; 26(1):11-25.
(iv) Zhang, L. et al. Relation between Helicobacter pylori and pathogenesis of chronic atrophic gastritis and the research of its prevention and treatment. Chung Kuo Chung His Chieh Ho Tsa Chih, Sep. 1992; 12(9):521-3’ 515-6

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.

References for this article include 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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