Rhino Horn is Useless and Potentially Toxic
For decades, the use of rhino horns in traditional medicine (primarily in China and Vietnam) has been a pressing issue, pushing rhinos to the brink of extinction. A recent study published in Scientific Reports (part of Nature) has revealed that using rhino horn offers no health benefits and may even be toxic to consumers.
Researchers measured the minerals in horn samples from the outer and inner layers of white and black rhinos – two critically endangered species in Africa. Through analysis, scientists found both essential and potentially toxic elements. Among the 12 essential minerals found, their content was significantly lower than in a daily vitamin (which is much cheaper).
The mineral concentrations found in rhino horns were much lower than those in a daily vitamin (Image: David Clode, Unsplash)
This raises questions about the medicinal value a segment of consumers has long believed in. According to old beliefs, rhino horn is used in traditional medicine to reduce fever, treat rheumatism, detoxify, and even exorcise evil spirits. However, research results have proven that these “benefits” have no scientific basis. This means that consumers are spending a lot of money to buy rhino horn but are not receiving the expected health benefits. Moreover, it further increases concerns about the continued poaching and illegal trade of rhino horn.
Additionally, scientists have found that rhino horn contains many potentially toxic minerals, such as arsenic, which can harm human health if consumed in high amounts. In soil-contaminated horn samples, arsenic levels can exceed safe limits. This is especially worrying as wild rhino horns are often contaminated with soil and other pollutants from the species’ natural habitat.
The problem becomes more serious when illegal rhino horn consumption means no regulatory body controls quality. Consumers are not only risking their health but are also indirectly contributing to poaching, leading to the disappearance of rhinos from the wild.
Killing rhinos for their horns leaves many young rhinos orphaned, and many of them do not survive. (Image: International Rhino Foundation)
Reducing the demand for rhino horn is a long-term and challenging task. Changing beliefs that have existed for thousands of years cannot be done overnight. Researchers emphasize that to protect rhinos, we need a comprehensive strategy. On the one hand, we need to continue efforts to combat poaching and protect rhinos from extinction. On the other hand, there needs to be communication campaigns to raise awareness and reduce the demand for rhino horn, thereby eliminating the commercial value of this product.
Olivia Smith, communications manager for the UK-based non-governmental organization Helping Rhinos, said, “Without immediate rhino conservation measures, no rhinos will be left before rhino demand reduction programs can have an effect. And conversely, without the long-term goal of ending demand, we will be forever stuck in a cycle of high-intensity, expensive rhino protection.”
Ultimately, this study is a clear reminder that consuming rhino horn is pointless and dangerous. We need to act now, protect rhinos from extinction, and, at the same time, change consumers’ perceptions of the actual value of this product.
Source: Mongabay.com
