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Chinese medicine and its modernization demands
Wei-Feng Li1, Jian-Guo Jiang, Jian Chen
1College of Light Industry and Food, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
Archives of Medical Research
|January 1, 2008
Summary
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) modernization is crucial for global acceptance. Integrating modern science and technology will elucidate active components and mechanisms, ensuring quality and standardization of TCM products.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Traditional Medicine
- Analytical Chemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) possesses a long history and extensive empirical data but faces challenges in international acceptance due to inconsistent quality and insufficient fundamental research.
- Key issues include variable product quality, lack of standardized codes, and underdeveloped basic scientific investigation, hindering global integration.
- This review examines the historical development, species diversity, and distribution of TCM, addressing current limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the necessity and urgency of modernizing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
- To define TCM modernization as the integration of TCM with contemporary scientific methodologies, academic principles, and cultural understanding.
- To emphasize the critical need for identifying active components and understanding the pharmacodynamic mechanisms of TCM, particularly for compound prescriptions.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing advanced analytical chemistry techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), High-Performance Capillary Electrophoresis (HPCE), and High-Speed Counter-Current Chromatography (HSCCC).
- Employing molecular biology tools including patch clamp, gene clamp, gene chip, fluorescent probes, DNA TUNEL assay, and in situ hybridization.
- Integrating computer technology for the digitalization and normalization of TCM products.
Main Results:
- Modern analytical and molecular biology techniques are essential for elucidating the active components and mechanisms of TCM.
- The application of these technologies facilitates the digitalization and standardization of TCM products.
- Successful modernization will lead to globally recognized and reliable reference information on traditional medicines.
Conclusions:
- TCM modernization is imperative for overcoming current limitations and achieving international recognition.
- Elucidating the material basis and pharmacodynamic mechanisms of TCM through modern science is the core of its advancement.
- Digitalization and normalization, powered by advanced technology, will enhance the quality and accessibility of TCM worldwide.