The Department of Health today called for the suspension of the use of three Chinese herbs: Herba Solani Lyrati, Aristolochia mollissima Hance and Pak Mo Tang.

Deputy Director of Health Dr T H Leung reminded members of the public to consult Chinese medicine practitioners before taking these Chinese herbal medicine and follow their instructions.

In particular, those taking herbal medicine on a prolonged basis are advised to adhere strictly to the advice of the Chinese Medicine practitioners.

Confusion over 3 herbs

The appeal was made following the department's investigations into a case of suspected Aristolochic acid poisoning reported by the Hospital Authority.

A 60-year-old  male patient who has come down with kidney failure and urinary tract cancer has a prolonged period of self-prescription of herbal medicines including Herba Solani Lyrati. But he was given Aristolochia mollissima Hance, which contains Aristolochic acid, instead of Herba Solani Lyrati .

Investigations revealed that the herb Aristolochia mollissima Hance was erroneously substituted for Herba Solani Lyrati at the wholesale level.

There is also confusion among the names for Herba Solani Lyrati, Aristolochia mollissima Hance and Pak Mo Tang. The department immediately instructed the importers to stop supplying the three herbs.

Traders must stop selling the three herbs until the confusion is sorted out. Chinese medicine practitioners are reminded to ensure the correct use of the above three herbs. Consumers should consult Chinese medicine practitioners before taking Chinese herbal medicine.

Examples of the more commonly used herbs containing Aristolochic Acid include Caulis Aristolochiae Manshuriensis, Radix Aristolochiae Fangchi, Fructus Aristolochiae, Radix Aristolochiae and Herba Aristolochiae.

Association with kidney damage

Prolonged and improper use of herbs containing the acid is associated with kidney damage, including kidney failure and cancer of the urinary tract.