The prevalence use and harmful potential of some Chinese herbal medicines in babies and children

This article reviews the prevalence use of Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) in Chinese pregnant women, babies and children living in Hong Kong and the harmful potential of some CHM and Chinese proprietary medicines (CPM) in babies and children. The use of CHM appears to be common amongst Chinese pregnant women. The possible effects of these herbs on the fetus and baby and their overall safety are not known. This practice should be discouraged since there is suggestion that maternal consumption of CHM might increase the risk of neonatal jaundice. Both "chuen-lin" and "yin-chen" can displace bilirubin from their serum protein binding and increase the risk of hyperbilirubinaemia. These herbs should not be given to the neonates. The use of CPM-containing undeclared drugs of high toxicity or lead, arsenic and mercurial compounds should be banned. The medical profession and the general public should be alerted to the harmful potential of some of the CHM and CPM. There should be continuing efforts to collect information on the safety of these compounds.