Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been around for over a thousand years. TCM involves the use of various mind and body practices (such as acupuncture and tai chi) as well as herbs to address health problems.

Today's topic is about a Chinese herb called 'Yunnan Bai Yao’ (aka Yunnan Pai Yao). Yes, this may sound strange, but it can be used to help treat dogs with cancer.

What does science say about the effectiveness of Chinese herbs?

Chinese herbs have been studied for many medical problems in people, including stroke, heart disease, mental disorders, respiratory diseases and cancer. Moreover, it may help improve the quality of life and painful conditions in people.

However, many studies have been of poor quality, have mixed results and have not made firm conclusions about their effectiveness.

What does science say about the safety of Chinese herbs?

Studies of Chinese herbs used in TCM are generally safe. However, there are currently no strict regulation in place for making them or what to put in them. Thus, safety concerns may arise.

Some Chinese herbs are contaminated with toxic compounds, undeclared plant or animal materials, heavy metals, pesticides and microorganisms, that can occasionally have serious side effects.

What is Yunnan Bai Yao?

Yunnan Bai Yao is a Chinese herb that has been used for over 100 years to help control bleeding.

It was first developed in Yunnan Province in China in 1902. This herb was used on the battlefield by Chinese soldiers during World War II and Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnamese war. It is still used in this day and age, to control and prevent bleeding in people. 

Although the exact formula is a secret in China, and it is made up of a blend of herbal ingredients. The main ingredient appears to be Panax Notoginseng (a type of Ginsenosides). It mainly works by preventing angiogenesis (i.e. preventing blood vessel growth) and enhancing platelet function (i.e. clot strength). 

Can Yunnan Bai Yao be used in dogs?

Yes. Because of its improved clotting function and use in controlling and preventing bleeding in people. Veterinarians have used this herb for a variety of bleeding disorders and conditions, such as pets with a haemoabdomen (i.e. bleeding into the abdomen), pericardial haemorrhage (i.e. bleeding into sac surrounding the heart), epistaxis (i.e. bleeding from the nose), and bleeding caused by cancer (such as haemangiosarcoma). 

What does science say about the effectiveness of Yunnan Bai Yao for treating cancer in dogs?

Yunnan Bai Yao can be used safely in dogs to prevent and control bleeding cancers in dogs.

More recent evidence shows that Yunnan Bai Yao can kill dog haemangiosarcoma cell lines in-vitro. Therefore, it may provide clinical benefit in dogs with haemangiosarcoma. Yunnan Bai Yao by itself is not known to be superior to standard of care therapy (i.e. surgery followed by chemotherapy), but certainly can be used safely in combination with anti-cancer therapy.

Currently, veterinary studies are being performed in the USA by Veterinary Oncologists to define safety further and determine the clinical benefits of this herb for dogs with haemangiosarcoma (with and without chemotherapy). So far, the results show that it is safe, but we are yet to know whether it can improve survival times in dogs with haemangiosarcoma. 

We need better therapy for dogs with haemangiosarcoma, so I hope that future studies will be able to show that dogs with haemangiosarcoma can clinically benefit from this herb.

What are the side effects of Yunnan Bai Yao in dogs?

At this present time, Yunnan Bai Yao appears to be safe in dogs. However, it is still relatively new in veterinary medicine, and further studies are required to determine safety with long-term usage.

I have used this herb for over five years in dogs with cancer (with and without other forms of therapy). So far, I have not encountered any side effects, except for occasional gastrointestinal upset (primarily mild loss of appetite and nausea). When this occurs, I recommend administering Yunnan Bai Yao with food, reducing the frequency or dosage of administration, and the side effects usually resolve. Rarely do side effects require supportive medications or permanent discontinuation. 

Also, in dogs starting any form of anti-cancer therapy (such as chemotherapy) for the first time, if there are any concerns for side effects or safety, this herb can be added one to two weeks later, after dogs have tolerated anti-cancer therapy. 

What is the 'red pill' in Yunnan Bai Yao?

Each packet is usually accompanied by a small red pill. It is a higher concentration of Yunnan Bai Yao and is intended for treating significant bleeding. I usually advise owners to save this pill and to administer one red pill when a massive bleed is suspected.

Tips for owners:

• Chinese herbs are not a cure for cancer in pets (particularly when used alone). However, in some situations (such as Yunnan Bai Yao for dogs with bleeding cancers), it can be helpful.

• Speak to your veterinarian before using TCM (such as Yunnan Bai Yao), other alternative medicines and supplements. Sometimes it can make your dog feel worse, and negatively impact your dog's outcome with anti-cancer therapy. As a veterinarian, our priority is your dog's safety.

• If you are already using TCM in your dog, please inform your veterinarian to ensure it is safe with current medications that your dog is receiving. 

• Do not use TCM to replace or delay in seeking standard of care therapy.

• Unfortunately, there is a lot of testimonials and word of mouth recommendations regarding the use of TCM, that gives owners false hope. It is crucial to base the use of TCM on scientific evidence and research. 

• Please be careful with where you source your Chinese herbs. It may be contaminated and unsafe for your dog. Moreover, there are no safety studies and dosages, particularly in animals. 

Vets, I hope this information is helpful in understanding a bit more about TCM and Chinese herbs in veterinary medicine. If you have a question about Yunnan Bai Yao or have a dog you think may benefit from Yunnan Bai Yao, please do not hesitate to get in touch by 'clicking here'.