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Planta Med 2010; 76(17): 1975-1986
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1250522
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Perspectives
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

A Unique Issue in the Standardization of Chinese Materia Medica: Processing

Zhongzhen Zhao1 , Zhitao Liang1 , Kelvin Chan2 , Guanghua Lu1 , Eko Lai Mei Lee1 , Hubiao Chen1 , Lin Li1
  • 1School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, P. R. China
  • 2HMREC, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney and CompleMED, College of Health & Science, University of Western Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Further Information

Publication History

received January 24, 2010 revised October 7, 2010

accepted October 8, 2010

Publication Date:
03 November 2010 (online)

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Abstract

Processing of Chinese Materia Medica (CMM) is a pharmaceutical technique to fulfill the different requirements of therapy, dispensing and making preparations according to traditional Chinese medicine theory. The aims of processing are to enhance the efficacy and/or reduce the toxicity of crude drugs. Those processed products are named as decoction pieces, which are used in clinics. Therefore, there is a close relationship between processing, safety, and efficacy of Chinese medicines. Some toxicity or side effects are caused by improper processing methods and some are due to improper combination of herbal mixtures. Standardization of processing methods for Chinese herbs is as important as authentication to maintain their quality and ensure their safe use. The objective of this paper is to review the literature covering the current situation and problems of CMM processing as well as recent progress in research in this area. A summary of the most urgent work needed is proposed.

Key words

processing - Chinese Materia Medica - decoction pieces - standardization

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Prof. Dr. Zhongzhen Zhao

School of Chinese Medicine
Hong Kong Baptist University

7th Baptist University Road

Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

P. R. China

Phone: +85 2 34 11 24 24

Fax: +85 2 34 11 24 61

Email: zzzhao@hkbu.edu.hk

    www.thieme-connect.de/ejournals/toc/plantamedica