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Anthrax - What Can TCM Do?

By John Chen, Ph.D., Pharm. D., OMD, L.Ac.

What Is Anthrax?

Anthrax is an animal-related disease that has been around for tens of thousands of years. It generally affects grass-eating animals, such as cows, and the people who handle them on a regular basis. The bacterium that causes anthrax is called Bacillus anthracis. Animal vaccination and destruction of infected herds have drastically reduced the number of infected animals over the years. However, anthrax spores can still be found in soil samples at different parts of the world.

How Is Anthrax Transmitted?

Anthrax is transmitted via direct skin contact, ingestion or inhalation of the spores. Historically, people contract anthrax from direct contact with infected animals or contaminated animals products. Inhalation of anthrax spores can also occur, and is rare but far more deadly. Once the anthrax spores get inside the body, they grow rapidly and cause dangerous infections. Anthrax produces a substance called anthrax toxin, which enhances its own survival by killing the cells of the immune system. Inhalation anthrax spores in human is a rare disease because the dose and concentration required for infection is quite high. According to Center of Disease Control (CDC), only 18 cases of anthrax in the U.S. were reported from 1900 through 1978.

However, it is extremely important to note that those who have a compromised immune system are much more susceptible to inhalation anthrax. The dose and concentration required for infection is decreased by up to 10-folds in individuals with weakened immune system.1 It is vital to stay healthy and maintain an optimal immune system. A healthy immune system decreases the risk of infection and improves the prognosis for recovery.

What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Anthrax?

Skin infection of anthrax resembles an itchy bump similar to a mosquito bite. The small bump turns into a liquid filled sac, and eventually becomes a painless ulcer with dead tissue in the middle. If untreated, skin infection of anthrax can kill about 20% of people.

Intestinal infection of anthrax is characterized by nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Soon after, patients may develop severe abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. If untreated, intestinal anthrax may kill 25% to 60% of people.

Inhalation anthrax begins with the same symptoms as a common cold, with an incubation period of one to several days. The symptoms of inhalation of anthrax can become severe suddenly, making it the most deadly form of the disease. Because anthrax may resemble a common cold, those suspected with anthrax infection should remain calm and seek professional help to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. If untreated, anthrax is often fatal. 2

How Is Anthrax Treated?

Treatment of anthrax requires proper identification of the bacteria. Natural strains of anthrax may be treated with many types of antibiotics, such as penicillin, doxycycline, vancomycin and ciprofloxacin (Cipro). The selection of antibiotics will depend on the sensitivity of the bacteria to the treatment. Because the anthrax spores can stay hidden in the lung for a long period of time, antibiotic treatment should continue for 60 days. 3

What Can TCM Do About Anthrax?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), management of anthrax should focus on supporting the immune system and treatment of the infection. Because anthrax infection is more likely to occur in individuals with weakened immune system, efforts should be made to enhance the immune system with herbs. In addition, many "heat-clearing" herbs have shown antibiotic effects, specifically against Bacillus anthracis, the germ that causes anthrax. However, though the information is invaluable, it is important to note that the antibiotic effects of the herbs are conducted against Bacillus anthracis in a natural environment. There is no information available on the application of the herbs in a bio-terrorism scenario.

Which Herbs Have Immune-Enhancing Effect?

Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei): Modern research has confirmed repeatedly that Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei) increases both specific and non-specific immunity. 4, 5, 6 In a clinical trial of 115 leucopenic patients, it was found the use of Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei) is associated with an "obvious rise of the white blood cell (WBC) count" with a dose-dependent relationship. 7 In addition, Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei) works well with concurrent drug therapy in enhancing the overall effectiveness of the treatment. Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei) potentiates the anti-tumor effect of chemotherapy drugs, 8 while reversing the drug-induced immune suppression. 9 Lastly, Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei) also demonstrates anti-cancer activity as it increases the content of cAMP and inhibits the growth of tumor cells. 10

Ling Zhi (Ganoderma Lucidum): It has been demonstrated in various clinical studies that Ling Zhi (Ganoderma Lucidum) enhances the immune system. The specific effects of Ling Zhi (Ganoderma Lucidum) include an increase in monocytes, macrophages and T lymphocytes. 11, 12, 13, 14 In addition, there is also an increased production of cytokine, interleukin, tumor necrosis factor and interferon. 11 Furthermore, Ling Zhi (Ganoderma Lucidum) has a broad spectrum of anti-bacterial activities and inhibits the growth of pneumococci, streptococci (type A), staphylococci, E. coli, B. dysenteriae, pseudomonas, etc. 10

Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps Sinensis): It enhances overall immunity by increasing the number of lymphocytes and natural killer cells and the production of interleukin, interferon and tumor necrosis factor. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19

In addition, Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps Sinensis) stimulates and increases the phagocytic activities of macrophages against foreign substances. 20 This effect is further potentiated with the addition of Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei) and Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng). Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei) is extremely effective in enhancing the immune system and reversing immune deficiency. 21, 22, 23 Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng) also has immune-enhancing effect by increasing the function of the reticuloendothelial system and the total count of IgM. 24 In one clinical study, 52 cancer patients who have leukopenia caused by chemotherapy were able to continue and complete the entire course of chemotherapy treatment with the intake of Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng) to prevent bone marrow suppression. 25

What Herbs Have Antibiotic Effect Against Bacillus anthracis:

Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) has a broad spectrum antibiotic effect against Bacillus dysenteriae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Salmonella typhi, E. Coli, Vibrio Cholerae, Bacillus proteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Diplococcus meningitidis, Staphylococcus aureus, beta hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bordetella pertussis, Bacillus anthracis, and Leptospira. 26

Huang Bai (Cortex Phellodendri) has demonstrated moderate antibiotic effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bacillus dysenteriae, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus meningitidis, Vibrio cholerae, and Bacillus anthracis. 27, 28

Qing Dai (Indigo Pulverata Levis) in decoction has inhibitory influence against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus anthracis and Vibrio cholerae. 29

Qing Hao (Herba Artemisiae Annuae) has been shown to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria catarrhalis, Bacillus anthracis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus dysenteriae, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 30

Yin Chen Hao (Herba Artemisiae) in decoction has a varying degree of inhibitory effectiveness against such pathogens as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bacillus anthracis, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, Bacillus dysenteriae, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Diplococcus meningitidis, and influenza virus. 31

Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps Sinensis) has been shown to have antibiotic effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus anthracis, and some dermatophytes. 32

Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei) has been shown to inhibit the activity of Bacillus dysenteriae, Bacillus anthracis, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Diplococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. 33

Du Zhong (Cortex Eucommiae Ulmoidis) decoction has inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus dysenteriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus anthracis, Diplococcus pneumoniae, and beta-hemolytic streptococcus. 34

Ding Xiang (Flos Caryophylli) is effective against Vibrio cholerae, Bacillus anthracis, Salmonella typhi, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bacillus dysenteriae, E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. 35

Tian Men Dong (Tuber Asparagi Cochinchinensis) in decoction has an inhibitory effect against Bacillus anthracis, alpha-hemolytic streptococcus, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and Bacillus subtilis. 36

Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) in alcohol extract has an inhibitory effect in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus anthracis, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus dysenteriae, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Vibrio cholerae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 37

Jing Jie (Herba seu Flos Schizonepetae Tenuifoliae) in decoction has shown anti-microbial effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium diphtheria, Bacillus anthracis, beta streptococcus, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus dysenteriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus tuberculi. 38

Gao Liang Jiang (Rhizoma Alphiniae Officinari) has an inhibitory effect on Bacillus anthracis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis hominis. 39

Xuan Fu Hua (Flos Inulae) in decoction has an inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus anthracis, and Bacillus dysenteriae. 40

Conclusion

In the event of bio-terrorism, the possibility of an anthrax infection is no longer a theoretical risk, but an actual reality. Though the actual risk of contracting anthrax infection may be extremely small, but cases of anthrax infection continues to be reported. It is essential to stay informed, and be empowered with knowledge. It is necessary to be prepared, but not to over-prepare to interrupt the normal lifestyle. When properly informed and prepared, we can remain poised and ready to take immediate action whenever necessary.

The author may be contacted for additional information on the selection, dosing and availability of herbs.

Author

Dr. John Chen, the president and founder of Evergreen Herbs, has doctorate degrees in western pharmacology and Oriental Medicine. Academically, he is an assistant professor at USC School of Pharmacy, and Yo San University, Emperor's College. He was also appointed the academic advisor for the Integrative Medicine Program at University of Arizona. Professionally, he is the member of the Herbal Medicine Committee for the AAOM and an herbal consultant for the CSOMA. Furthermore, he is deeply devoted to educate the general public on the merits of Oriental Medicine. He has been featured as the expert on the Discovery Health Channel and the Los Angeles Times Festival of Health. He can be reached at Evergreen Herbs & Medical Supplies
17431 E Gale Ave.
City of Industry, CA 91748
Tel: 626-810-5530 Fax: 626-810-5534
Website: www.evherb.com Email: sales@evherb.com
 

References

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2. Center of Disease Control

3. WebMD.com

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5. Sun, Y. et al. Immune restoration and/or augmentation of local graft versus host reaction by traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Cancer. 52(1):70-3, July 1. 1983

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7. Weng, XS. Chung Juo Chung Hsia I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih August 1995

8. Chu, DT. et al. Fractionated extract of astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese medicinal herb, potentiates LAK cell cytotoxicity generated by a low dose of recombinant interleukin-2. Journal of Clinical & Laboratory Immunology. 26(4):183-7, Aug. 1988

9. Chu, DT. et al. Immunotherapy with Chinese medicinal herbs. II. Reversal of cyclophosphamide-induced immune suppression by administration of fractionated astragalus membranaceus in vivo. Journal of Clinical & Laboratory Immunology. 25(3):125-9, Mar. 1988

10. Yeung, HC. Handbook of Chinese Herbs. Institute of Chinese Medicine. 1996

11. Wang, SY. et al. The anti-tumor effect of ganoderma lucidum is mediated by cytokines released from activated macrophages and T-lymphocytes. International Journal of Cancer. 70(6):699-705, Mar 17. 1997

12. Van der Hem, LG. et al. Ling Zhi-8: studies of a new immunomodulating agent. Transplantation. 60(5):438-43, Sep 15. 1995

13. Haak-Frendscho, M. et al. Ling Zhi-8: a novel T-cell mitogen induces cytokine production and upregulation of ICAM-1 expression. Cellular Immunology. 150(1):101-13, Aug. 1993

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