An integrated approach to uncover quality markers of Traditional Chinese medicine underlying chemical profiling, network target selection and metabolomics approach: Guan-Xin-Jing capsule as a model

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the world's oldest medical systems, having a history of several thousands of years. It is a system of healing based upon the Chinese philosophy of the correspondence between nature and human beings. Its theories refer to yin and yang, the Five Elements, zang-fu, channels-collaterals, qi, blood, body fluid, methods of diagnosis, the differentiation of symptom-complexes, etc. TCM has two main features: a holistic point of view and treatment according to a differentiation of syndromes. The therapeutic methods of TCM involve different approaches, such as acupuncture, moxibustion, tuina bodywork, herbal medicine and qi gong, in order to allow the body to heal itself in a natural way. Western medicine was first introduced into China from the middle of the 17th century. During the first two centuries several different views, related to the future of TCM and the relation between TCM and Western medicine, emerged. Some advocated ‘complete westernization’ of Chinese medicine, others were in favour of keeping it intact, whereas again others recommended the ‘digestion and assimilation of TCM and Western medicine’. Nowadays, more and more people realize that each of the two medical traditions has its own merits and advise that the two systems should benefit from each other's strong points. We offer an argument for integrating Western medicine with TCM. In the 20th century China has maintained and developed three kinds of medical science, that is, TCM, Western medicine, and ‘integrated medicine’. Much has been achieved in clinical, experimental and theoretical research. The development of any science can be furthered by cross-fertilization based on absorption and fusion of whatever useful theory and experience. It is our dream that, in the future, diverse modalities – including TCM, Western medicine and possibly other variants – can work in conjunction with each other as part of a unified team rather than in competition. This integrated approach will ultimately lead to safer, faster and more effective health care.

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Use of rbcL sequences for DNA barcoding and authentication of plant drugs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine

10.7287/peerj.preprints.196 ◽

2014 ◽

Author(s):

Florian Herrmann ◽

Michael Wink

Keyword(s):

Quality Control ◽

Chinese Medicine ◽

Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽

Dna Barcoding ◽

Marker Gene ◽

Fast Method ◽

Chemical Profiling ◽

Wrong Identification ◽

Rbcl Sequences ◽

Universal Application

Traditional Chinese medicine has become increasingly popular in Europe and North America.There is evidence that quality control in terms of species authentication is sometimes inappropriate. Repeated incidents of adulterations and wrong identification, some even with serious consequences have occurred recently. The necessity of a quality control for TCM drugs to avoid these incidents is given since many years. DNA barcoding was used in this study to authenticate drugs which are often used in Chinese herbal medicine. 37 plants from 28 families were identified using nucleotide sequences of the rbcL gene. Only one adulteration could be detected. Both the advantages and limitations of rbcL as a marker gene for identification were analysed and discussed. We could show that DNA barcoding is a valid and fast method to identify medicinal herbs, showing some advantages over chemical profiling because of its universal application even for unknown plant species.

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Computer-Aided Rapid Establishment of Fingerprint of Xiaojin Capsule by HPLC

International Journal of Analytical Chemistry ◽

10.1155/2021/8858501 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Hui Jiang ◽

Yuansheng Xiao ◽

Xingya Xue ◽

Hongli Jin ◽

Yang Xiang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chinese Medicine ◽

Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽

Flow Rate ◽

Column Temperature ◽

Hplc Fingerprint ◽

Computer Aided ◽

Quality Markers ◽

Short Time ◽

Unsupervised Cluster Analysis

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas have a significant clinical efficacy, and the fingerprint technology has been widely accepted to fully reveal the quality of TCM. Whereas, it is a great challenge to establish the fingerprint chromatogram which can fully reflect every single herb material in a short time. In this study, we used Xiaojin capsule (XJC) as a case and developed a rapid fingerprint method based on increasing the column temperature and flow rate simultaneously combined with computer-aided. First, the elution gradient was optimized based on the retention parameters and peak shape parameters of the four linear gradients, and then, the column temperature and flow rate were increased simultaneously to shorten the analysis time. Next, the standard fingerprint chromatogram of XJC, which can reflect every herb material, was generated. Finally, quality markers were screened through unsupervised cluster analysis and supervised orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis. Combining computer-aided with increasing column temperature and flow rate simultaneously can develop the rapid method for establishing HPLC fingerprint of XJC, which can fully reflect every single herb material and provide comprehensive quality control. The strategy for establishing HPLC fingerprint of TCM formula could be applied to other traditional Chinese medicine formulas and herbal medicine.

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Navigating communication between Conventional Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine: A case study of cancer patients in Hong Kong

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1055907/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jack Pun ◽

Wendy Wong

Keyword(s):

Hong Kong ◽

Chinese Medicine ◽

Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Conventional Medicine ◽

Integrated Approach ◽

Chinese Society ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Adequate Knowledge

Abstract Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a growing phenomenon around the world. However, despite its historical role in Chinese society, there has been limited research exploring the nature of communication around cancer patients who receive TCM care in additional to conventional medicine. If TCM practitioners with adequate knowledge in understanding the needs and communication issues around patients with cancer, particularly those who simultaneously receive conventional medicine, it will lead to a better quality of care and result in better clinical outcomes such as high patient satisfaction and compliance with treatments.Objectives: To fill in this gap, this study aims to explore the nature of the communication amongst cancer patients in Hong Kong who receive TCM treatment in addition to conventional medicine.Participants: Twenty patients, 5 oncologists and 5 TCM practitioners were invited to conduct in-depth interviews to elicit their views towards their TCM treatment.Method: A qualitative approach called Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is adopted.Results: Based on the themes that emerged from the interview transcripts, we outline the priorities of communication when dealing with cancer patients who receive both TCM and conventional medicine. A framework was developed to assist training TCM practitioners to better integrate their patients' conventional medical history when delivering patient care. Conclusions: The findings of this study can shed light to inform priorities in communication when caring for patients who opt for TCM care in addition to conventional treatments, and to provide useful information for developing future clinical research of providing integrated approach between TCM and conventional medicine in treating cancer patients.

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