Yunnan baiyao, or homeostasis powder, one of China's most famous traditional herbal complex medicines, can effectively reduce the loss of blood if taken before surgery, researches have found.
The medicine can not only reduce bleeding during surgery, but also remove the danger of blood stasis either before, during or after surgery.
The result was attained after two-year studies of more than 800 patients who took Yunnan baiyao before surgery in 14 hospitals in cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Wuhan.
It is estimated that if taken three days before surgery, Yunnan baiyao can reduce blood loss by 150 to 350 ml, almost equal to one third of the total blood loss in an operation on average.
Experts here believe that if Yunnan baiyao was effectively used by patients, a total 100 tons of blood or 100 million yuan (US$12 million) in medical costs would be saved each year.
What's more important, they point out, the medicine can reduce the rate and amount of blood transfusions, and, therefore, also reduce the possibility of getting infections.
Yunnan baiyao, created in 1902 by a doctor in southwest China's Yunnan Province, is considered a "state treasure" in China for its quick effect in stopping bleeding, curing wounds, diminishing inflammation and alleviating pain.
(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2003)
