Shanghai Kicks Off Research of Composition and Mechanism of
Traditional Chinese Medicines
Tackling modern diseases and unmet medical needs, ancient CM formulae often show unanticipated efficacy. Controversy tends to be raised due to insufficient scientific evidence. One of the state 973 projects on basic CM theory, “Clinical and experimental research on several CM formulae”, has commenced recently. Fudan University will lead a team of researchers in a five-year project to research the constituent basis and mechanisms of actions of selected CMs.
CM basic research focusing on constituent basis and mechanisms of actions of selected CMs
Modern medicines are usually composed of single ingredients and developed through laboratory research to clinical trials. Efficacy is based on intervention of target sites. CM, on the other hand, has complex composition inherited from thousands of years of clinical experience. The lack of evidence base on mechanisms of actions presents a major bottleneck for CM to be recognised by the international community. Vast amount of CM products exist with similarity and without much differentiation on mechanisms of actions. It not only creates wastage of resources and offers no better choice to doctors and patients. Revisiting the essence of CM theory and re-assessment of the efficacy of CM formulae provide a route to overcome aforementioned shortcomings and pave the ways for CM modernization and internationalization.
In-depth investigation on three classic CM formulae
According to Professor Dong Jingcheng, chief scientist of State 973 project and Director of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Branch of Shanghai Huashan Hospital, three CM formulae namely Bu Shen Yi Qi Fang (treating asthma & chronic bronchitis), Si Mo Tang (treating intestinal functional disorder) and Jing Qi Jiang Tang Pian (treating diabetes) were selected to elucidate their constituent basis and efficacy, and further to CM theory on formulation and combination. Products based on these three formulae have been on sale on the market for many years. They were chosen for further study because of the size of the market. Patients will benefit with better disease intervention and new drugs once the active ingredients and mechanisms of work are elucidated. Once the multiple components and multiple targets of actions of traditional CM formulae are identified, communication of efficacy to the international medical community will be more effective. Importantly, it paves the way for internationalization of CM.
Researchers from 20+ tertiary schools and research institutes with different specialties in clinical medicine, pharmacology, pharmacy, statistics and evidence-based medicine are engaged in this project. This project will also lay a solid foundation towards manpower development in the areas of scientific elucidation of CM theory, advancement of innovative new drug research and modern medicine.
Source:
Jie Fang Daily www.jfdaily.com.cn |
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