TCM News

A group of Chinese and U.S. scientists have developed a tool for predicting the effectiveness of herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

In a clinical trial, patients with acute STEMI who took TCM compound Tongxinluo showed a lower risk of another heart attack. Further study is needed, experts say, to identify the specific active ingredient – which could help advance future treatments.

In a report published Monday, the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency urged global investors in the three firms – Beijing Tong Ren Tang group (600085.SS), Tianjin Pharmaceutical group (600329.SS) and Jilin Aodong Pharmaceutical Group (000623.SZ) – to divest their stakes.

Since the 1960s, TCM, especially acupuncture has spread widely to various parts of the world. 

With Sunday marking the beginning of this year’s 17th solar term, hanlu, or cold dew, which in the Chinese traditional calendar indicates falling temperatures, the annual gaofang season opened in Shanghai.

Allowing subsidised acupuncture therapy at a public hospital is expected to be welcomed by patients undergoing often gruelling treatments

TCM, with its holistic and multifaceted approach to healing, is different from Western medicine’s treatment methods. Collaboration between TCM and Western medicine offers new opportunities for development in both medical systems.

Beijing says Washington is trying ‘to damage China’s reputation’ by accusing it of fuelling the illicit trade in the endangered species. US comments follow last month’s seizure of a tonne of pangolin scales in Thailand believed to be destined for use in traditional Chinese medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine is expected to play a bigger role in protecting Chinese people’s health, with the top leadership determined to promote its development, according to experts and practitioners.

Qiliqiangxin is a traditional Chinese medicine extract obtained from 11 types of herbs (Table 1). In a pilot study, qiliqiangxin reduced N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels and improved heart failure symptoms in patients with HFrEF when added to established heart failure treatment. Preclinical studies have also indicated that qiliqiangxin has beneficial effects on attenuating myocardial fibrosis and cardiac remodeling.