Effect of a popular Chinese herb on neonatal bilirubin protein binding.
A study on the effects of a popular Chinese herb commonly given to newborn infants was undertaken. 'Chuen-Lin', Coptis chinensus/japonicum, which is consumed by 28-51% of Chinese infants, was found to have a significant effect in displacing bilirubin from its serum protein binding as assessed by the peroxidase oxidation method. Taking this herbal tea may thus increase the risk of brain damage by free bilirubin in jaundiced infants. As neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia is highly prevalent among Southern Chinese, the use of Chuen-Lin in the perinatal period must be strongly discouraged.
Yeung
C Y
CY
Department of Paediatrics, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
Lee
F T
FT
Wong
H N
HN
D001663:Bilirubin / Q000378:metabolism*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007231:Infant, Newborn
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; C066180:chuen-lin; D001663:Bilirubin