Banlangen granules are a combination of several herbs, which should be taken under medical guidance. [Photo by LIU JIAO / FOR CHINA DAILY] SHANGHAI -- The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published an international standard for isatis indigotica root or banlangen, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb commonly used for the prevention and treatment of colds. The herb has a long history of use in China and other East Asian countries for removing heat and toxins, cooling the blood and clearing the throat. However, problems such as different quality requirements among different countries and regions may affect the herb's clinical effectiveness and safety, according to a document posted on ISO's website. Formulation of the ISO standard was led by a research team from China's Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and also involved experts from Germany, Canada, Australia, Thailand and the Republic of Korea. The project lasted 34 months and the standard was published earlier this month. Wang Zhengtao, a member of the Chinese research team, said the standard mainly specifies the minimum technical requirements for isatis indigotica root such as heavy metals and pesticide residues as well as the herb's test methods. The publication of the standard is expected to improve the international influence of isatis indigotica root and boost the trade of the herb across the world, Wang said. Herbal medicine is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine, which boasts a history of more than 2,000 years and has gained global attention for its unique theories and practices. wristbands canadacustom silicone bracelets canadarubber bracelets canadasilicone bracelets canadasilicone wristbands canadacustom wristbands canadacanadian wristbandswristbands canada
HEFEI -- An ongoing crackdown on the illegal wildlife trade has led to the seizure of 53,486 wild animals in East China's Anhui province, local authorities said.The six-month crackdown started in June. More than 200 related cases had been solved or are being investigated, and over 80 traffickers had been punished as of Aug 10, according to the provincial department of forestry.In one case, police intercepted a truck carrying 152 spiny giant frogs, two hog badgers and five snakes in Anhui's Qimen County. The truck was heading to east China's Zhejiang province.In another case, a truck carrying wild birds was stopped by police in Susong County en route to South China's Guangdong province. More than 2,600 moorhens and 650 night herons were seized.Over the past few years, China has intensely promoted a series of important measures to strengthen wildlife protection, such as amending the Wildlife Protection Law, banning the ivory trade and building national parks.According to Chinese law, poaching, transporting, or trading protected wildlife is punishable by up to ten years in prison.
