Abstract
One of the traditional folk medicine in the Malaysia is using porcupine bezoar. It was reported as universal medicine in ancient time. This bezoar has been a myth to the locals. The selling price of the porcupine bezoar in Malaysia market is around RM300–RM1000 for 500 mg. The widespread use of the bezoar as an alternative medicine for treatment of deadly illnesses in Malaysia was passed down from generations of the multi-diverse ethnicity environment that existed here. Additionally, porcupine bezoar was also known as lifesaver and used by patients with terminal illness. Porcupine bezoar was found in the gastrointestinal tract of porcupine and made up of indigestible plant matters. Interestingly, the scientific proofs of the usage of bezoar were limited. The chemical profile and the medicinal properties of the bezoar is still unknown. The main focus of this review paper is on the porcupine bezoar which can be found in Malaysia.
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The manuscript was designed and written by Tan Chu Shan. Ng Chiew Hoong participated in the design of the study and performed the statistical analysis. The materials were collected by Loh Yean Chun. Dr Yam Mun Fei conceived and supervised the whole project. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Tan, C.S., Ng, C.H., Loh, Y.C. et al. A traditional folk medicine in Malaysia: porcupine bezoar. Orient Pharm Exp Med 19, 131–136 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-019-00370-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-019-00370-4