Objectives:To anticipate future trends in science and technology related to traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and guide cutting-edge research directions,the China Association of Chinese Medicine(CACM)organized experts to deliberate and propose pivotal scientific questions,engineering challenges,and industrial technology issues in the TCM field for 2025.The aim is to address core bottlenecks impeding the high-quality development of TCM through original scientific research,thereby providing strategic technological support for improving the consistency of clinical efficacy,ensuring the sustainable utilization of resources,advancing intelligent industrial upgrading,and enhancing international influence. Methods:In accordance with the targeted commission requirements of the China Association for Science and Technology(CAST)and considering the disciplinary distribution characteristics,the CACM established an expert panel comprising five strategic scientists.Drawing on the major scientific questions selected by CAST and the CACM in previous years,the panel carried out a systematic process of deliberation and discussion,collation and review,evaluation and screening,as well as validation and refinement.Ultimately,two frontier scientific questions,one engineering challenge,and two industrial technology issues were identified and submitted to CAST. Results:This report focuses on key bottlenecks in transforming TCM from empirical inheritance to precision-driven science.It systematically elaborates on five core issues:the two frontier scientific questions aim to uncover the modern scientific underpinnings of classical TCM theories(e.g.,the spleen deficiency theory)and the core efficacy of Daodi Herbs;the engineering challenge is dedicated to constructing intelligent reasoning AI models capable of clarifying the scientific principles underlying TCM-based prevention and treatment of complex diseases(e.g.,gastric cancer);the two industrial technology issues address pressing industrial demands,namely,key technologies for the stable production of"three-excellence"medicinal materials based on molecular pharmacognosy,and the establishment of a quality homogenization technology system for TCM solid preparations based on multimodal data fusion. Conclusions:The five major scientific questions and engineering challenges selected and reported herein systematically target the core bottlenecks and frontier directions in TCM modernization,exhibiting distinct strategic,interdisciplinary,and forward-looking attributes.The development of TCM in the new era must be driven by cutting-edge multidisciplinary technologies to thoroughly elucidate the scientific core of traditional wisdom,thereby achieving comprehensive modernization covering basic research,industrial technology,and clinical application.This will lay a solid foundation for gaining strategic advantages in the global competition of traditional medicine science and technology.
Objectives:This study aims to explore the strengths of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and its integration with Western medicine(WM)in diagnosing and treating menopausal syndrome(MPS),as well as to propose a scientific research paradigm for future developments in MPS management. Methods:The study is based on the outcomes of the 21st Youth Salon Series on Clinically Dominant Diseases,held by the China Association of Chinese Medicine(CACM)on 18 April 2023 in Beijing.Experts in TCM,WM,and interdisciplinary fields discussed the pathogenesis,treatment approaches,and potential integration strategies for MPS.These discussions were analyzed to develop strategic frameworks and scientific priorities for MPS research. Results:The analysis highlighted the unique advantages of TCM and integrated TCM-WM approaches for MPS management,suggesting key areas for further investigation.Four main strategic areas were proposed:optimizing the diagnosis and treatment system,establishing a framework for comorbidity prevention and control,improving the evidence-based system,and fostering interdisciplinary collaborative research. Conclusions:The study presents a comprehensive research paradigm for MPS,focusing on TCM-advantaged approaches.It emphasizes the need for further interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of TCM with WM.The paper aims to support the development of clinical guidelines,new herbal medicines,and national scientific planning,contributing to the high-quality development of TCM and its application in modern medicine.
In a recent study published in Nature Communica-tions,Professor GAO Hao's team and collaborators identified five novel phenolamide glycosyltransferases(LbUGT1-5)that underpin the structural diversity of lycibarbarspermidines,one class of the key bioactive components in wolf berry[1].This work not only broad-ens the spectrum of glycosyltransferases available for the biosynthesis of these biologically active molecules,but also provides valuable insights into the biochemical basis for assessing the authenticity of wolfberry.
Objectives:The study aimed to investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of Yang Mai Tong Luo formula(YMTLF)in the treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF)by focusing on its ability to alleviate microvascular endothelial inflammation. Methods:We analyzed the main components of YMTLF using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS).An HFpEF mouse model was established using high-fat diet and N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester(L-NAME)stimulation and then treated with YMTLF for 10 weeks.Cardiac function of mice was assessed by echocardiography.Myocardial cross-sectional area was evaluated by wheat germ agglutinin(WGA)staining.The blood perfusion of hindlimb was analyzed by laser speckle.Network pharmacology and transcriptome analysis were employed to explore the potential mechanisms of YMTLF in addressing HFpEF.Immunofluorescence staining was used to analyze the expression levels of proteins related to microvascular inflammation. Results:A total of 27 principal components of YMTLF were characterized by UPLC-MS/MS.YMTLF reversed the body mass gain,improved heart function and myocardial hypertrophy of HFpEF mice.Specifically,YMTLF treatment reduced serum N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)levels from 622 to 319 pg/mL and decreased left ventricular posterior wall thickness in diastole(LVPWD)from 0.794 to 0.604 mm(P＜0.05).Furthermore,it improved hindlimb blood perfusion(perfusion unit value increased from 156 to 226).It ameliorated the microvascular endothelial dysfunction(zonula occludens-1,intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1)and downregulated the expression levels of microvascular inflammation related proteins(interleukin-1 β,F4/80,high mobility group box 1,transforming growth factor β1 and thrombospondin-1)(P＜0.05). Conclusions:YMTLF exerted a therapeutic effect on HFpEF by ameliorating microvascular inflammation.
Objectives:This study is situated within the context of developing clinically advantageous diseases in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).It systematically analyzes the current status of diagnosis and treatment for allergic rhinitis(AR)from both the TCM and Western medicine(WM)perspectives. Methods:Through a series of academic salons focused on clinically advantageous diseases and comprehensive literature reviews,the study aimed to refine and innovate the TCM theoretical framework for AR.Building on the strengths of TCM in managing AR,it further explores in-depth scientific and technological innovation strategies and pathways for clinical translation. Results:This study proposes a"four-in-one"technological framework,clinical observation-basic research-clinical translation-outcome promotion.Clinical observation involves long-term monitoring and holistic efficacy assessment;basic research focuses on the mechanisms of TCM in preventing and treating AR and pharmacological studies;clinical translation applies basic research findings to practice to explore effective treatment protocols;outcome promotion of achievements refers to disseminating effective treatment methods and research findings.Simultaneously,four key technological support systems for TCM prevention and treatment of AR were established to collaboratively safeguard prevention and treatment efforts. Conclusions:Through these initiatives,we aim to provide a strategic framework to advance the integration of TCM with modern science and technology,thereby fostering innovative development in the prevention and treatment of AR with TCM.
Objectives:Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a chronic inflammatory disease that severely affects patients' quality of life and requires lifelong treatment.Luofushan rheumatism plaster(LFS),a clinically approved transdermal formulation,shows therapeutic potential for RA but lacks mechanistic evidence.This study investigated the efficacy and underlying mechanism of LFS in a collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)rat model. Methods:CIA rats were treated transdermally with LFS(1.60-6.40 cm2/ankle)for 14 d.Arthritis severity,paw swelling,plasma IL-6/TNF-α levels,histopathology,and immune organ indices were evaluated.Network pharmacology and molecular docking were applied to identify potential targets and pathways,which were validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis(RT-qPCR)and immunohistochemistry.Cardiac,hepatic,and renal biomarkers were analyzed for safety. Results:LFS ameliorated arthritis in a dose-dependent manner,attenuated paw swelling,suppressed plasma IL-6 and TNF-α levels,and normalized immune organs' hyperplasia.Histopathological analysis further revealed that LFS diminished synovial inflammation and attenuated cartilage destruction.Network pharmacology analysis indicated that LFS exerts anti-RA effects via the toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)and interleukin-17(IL-17)signaling pathways,with molecular docking confirming high-affinity binding of key constituents,quercetin,ursolic acid,and luteolin to both targets.Subsequent experimental validation by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry demonstrated LFS significantly suppressed synovial TLR4 and IL-17 mRNA and protein expression,mechanistically linking its therapeutic efficacy to pathway inhibition.Crucially,safety assessment showed no abnormalities in cardiac,hepatic,or renal functional biomarkers. Conclusions:LFS exerts anti-RA effects primarily through targeted inhibition of the TLR4/IL-17 pathway while maintaining an exemplary safety profile,supporting its potential as a promising therapeutic alternative.
Objectives:The global use of Chinese herbal medicine formula(CHMF)is increasing,necessitating high-quality clinical trials.However,a lack of specific reporting standards has resulted in inconsistent and incomplete trial protocols,thereby undermining the reliability of the evidence.Although the Standard Protocol Items for Clinical Trials with Traditional Chinese Medicine 2018(SPIRIT-TCM Extension 2018)provides general guidance,it is not specifically tailored to CHMF.The objective of the study is to develop dedicated guidelines aimed at improving the completeness and quality of clinical trial protocols for CHMF,based on the latest SPIRIT 2025 statement. Methods:A 17-member multidisciplinary working group comprising traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)clinicians,herbalists,and methodologists developed an extension using a modified nominal group technique.The process comprised three structured facilitator-led discussion cycles and two rounds of written consultation,during which the proposed adaptations to all items were iteratively refined and endorsed by all panel members. Results:The SPIRIT Extension for Chinese Herbal Medicine Formula 2025(SPIRIT-CHMF 2025)was developed.It expands on 15 items from the SPIRIT 2025 checklist,incorporating key CHMF-specific concepts such as TCM syndrome pattern diagnosis,formula composition,and quality control measures.It also provides detailed guidance for sections,including interventions,outcomes,eligibility criteria,and rationale. Conclusions:SPIRIT-CHMF 2025 bridges international trial standards with the unique characteristics of CHMF.Its implementation is expected to standardize protocol development and generate more reliable evidence on the safety and efficacy of TCM.
Background:Infertility is a major global public health concern.Although in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)offers reproductive hope for some patients,overall success rates remain limited,and repeated failure continues to pose a substantial clinical challenge.Recent studies suggest that traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)may provide clinical benefits when integrated into IVF-ET treatment and during the interval after unsuccessful cycles. Case presentation:This case report describes a 40-year-old woman of advanced maternal age with repeated IVF-ET failure.She had a history of one spontaneous pregnancy loss.Evaluation revealed bilateral tubal patency.After 3 years of infertility,she underwent assisted reproduction at a reproductive center in Sichuan.Hyperinsulinemia was identified and treated with oral metformin before IVF-ET.Two consecutive IVF-ET cycles failed to achieve implantation.Hysteroscopy subsequently confirmed chronic endometritis,which was then treated.A third IVF-ET cycle resulted in pregnancy,but early pregnancy loss was diagnosed at 7 weeks of gestation,and uterine evacuation was performed. Results:Because of her strong desire to conceive,she sought TCM treatment at the hospital of Chengdu University of TCM before attempting another IVF-ET cycle.After a comprehensive assessment,a phase-based sequential TCM regimen tailored to the follicular and luteal phases was initiated,and psychological support was provided to alleviate anxiety and distress.Attempts at natural conception were also encouraged during treatment.After 4 months of TCM therapy,she conceived spontaneously.TCM treatment was continued to support the pregnancy,and she ultimately achieved a successful delivery.This case highlights phase-based sequential TCM treatment combined with mind-body intervention as a distinctive management strategy. Conclusions:In women of advanced maternal age with infertility and prior IVF-ETfailure,particularly in the context of limited biomedical treatment options,this approach may offer a new possibility for natural conception and provide a potentially effective TCM-based pathway for intervention.
Objectives:To explore the current applications and future prospects of multi-omics approaches in cancer therapy,with a focus on their integration into traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)for developing novel anti-tumor strategies. Methods:A comprehensive review of multi-omics technologies,including genomics,transcriptomics,proteomics,metabolomics,microbiomics,single-cell omics,and spatial omics,was conducted,emphasizing their contributions to cancer research.The integration of multi-omics in TCM was also discussed,highlighting the challenges and further prospects associated with its modernization. Results:Multi-omics approaches have facilitated the identification of novel cancer biomarkers,therapeutic targets,and molecular subtypes,all of which are critical for advancing personalized cancer treatment.The integration of these omics approaches with TCM provides a powerful platform for elucidating the mechanisms underlying TCM-based therapies and developing innovative anti-cancer strategies. Conclusions:Multi-omics technologies are transforming the landscape of cancer treatment by offering deeper insights into tumor biology.The integration of these advanced approaches with TCM not only supports the modernization of traditional practices but also holds significant potential for improving cancer prevention and therapy.Continued interdisciplinary research is essential to overcome current limitations and to accelerate the translation of multi-omics and TCM integration into clinical practice.
Functional dyspepsia(FD)remains a clinical challenge due to its heterogeneous symptoms,absence of identifiable structural abnormalities,and limited treatment efficacy[1].As FD coexists with psychological disturbances,it is increasingly recognized as a disorder of the brain-gut axis,characterized by bidirectional dysregulation between the central and enteric nervous systems[2].This dysregulation manifests as gastric motility disorders,visceral hypersensitivity,mild mucosal inflammation,barrier dysfunction,and imbalances in the autonomic and emotional regulatory networks[3].Current clinical approaches often rely on single-target pharmacological treatments,which fail to meet complex clinical demands.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),by contrast,emphasizes holistic and multi-target regulation through herbal treatment and acupuncture[4].However,limitations remain,including insufficient mechanistic elucidation of brain-gut interactions,limited objective evaluation systems,lack of standardized outcome measures,and insufficient international recognition due to the scarcity of high-quality evidence.
Objectives:To develop the List of Clinical Needs for New Chinese Materia Medica Development(Second Batch),aiming to identify and highlight specific diseases with pressing,unmet therapeutic needs.The objective is to guide pharmaceutical research and development(R&D)by establishing development priorities based on clinical gaps,epidemiological burden,and the shortcomings of existing treatments. Methods:The list was developed by the China Association of Chinese Medicine using a methodology grounded in evidence and expert consensus. Results:The list identifies 8 diseases with significant clinical gaps:Myelodysplastic syndromes(MDS),fibromyalgia(FM),atrophic gastritis and its precancerous lesions,adenomyosis(AM),diabetes related foot ulcers(DFU),granulomatous mastitis(GLM),diabetic kidney disease(DKD),and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD).For each disease,the list provides a systematic analysis of epidemiological burden,limitations of current treatments,and specific clinical needs.It also proposes a strategic research framework focused on multi-target mechanisms,disease-modifying potential,and optimized combination therapies. Conclusions:The list provides a strategically structured framework to guide the development of new Chinese materia medica.It aligns traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)development with national public health priorities,emphasizes TCM's holistic and multi-target advantages,and promotes a patient-centered approach.By bridging clinical needs with TCM principles,the list aims to foster the creation of clinically valuable medicines to address chronic and complex diseases where current western medical approaches are insufficient.
In order to implement the requirements of the document Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine,accelerate the promotion of the construction of a healthy China,adhere to the equal importance of Chinese and Western medicines,promote the mutual complementarity of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine and coordinated development,strengthen the academic exchanges and cooperation of Chinese and Western medicine in the field of preventing and controlling gout,and cultivate the high-caliber young clinical talents,the China Association of Chinese Medicine(CACM)organized the 48th Salon on Clinical Advantageous Diseases in Beijing on 21 March 2025,focusing on the combined Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment strategy of gout,bringing together experts in Chinese and Western medicine and interdisciplinary fields,and reaching specific recommendations and consensus on the combined Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment of gout through in-depth discussion.On this basis,under the leadership of the CACM,gout diagnosis and treatment problems were analyzed from the perspective of gout occurrence and development law,focusing on the advantages and characteristics of Chinese medicine and combined Chinese and Western medicine in gout diagnosis and treatment,and proposing scientific research and technological layout of gout in the following aspects:(1)Improvement of gout staging and identification system,(2)optimization of Chinese medicine to prevent and treat gout and drug research and development,(3)improvement of indicators for post-treatment assessment of gout,(4)research on early warning system of Chinese and Western medicine,(5)construction of gout co-morbidities spectrum and Chinese medicine theoretical system,(6)research on co-morbidities mechanism of gout,(7)chronic disease grassroots health management,and at the same time,it also puts forward the proposed layout and direction of the research,the expected goal and value and the priority of the proposed funding.Therefore,this article is based on the gout Chinese medicine advantageous disease series salon,proposed gout scientific and technological research paradigm,in order to help the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine.
The modernization and internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)have long been constrained by the"black box"problem of its complex compositional system and unclear mechanisms of action.Target discovery,as a core step in revealing drug action principles,is key to promoting TCM's transition from"empirical medicine"to"precision medicine".In recent years,the rapid development of chemical biology technologies has provided powerful tools to address this challenge.This article focuses on the latest progress in applying chemical biology strategies,such as molecular probes,click chemistry,fluorescent labeling,and photo-crosslinking microarrays,in TCM target identification research.Combined with typical case studies like Sapanone A and Eupalinolide B,it elaborates on how these cutting-edge technologies can precisely identify the direct targets of active TCM components,thereby achieving comprehensive mechanism analysis from cells and animals to clinical samples.Furthermore,this article prospectively discusses novel"supramolecular drugs"formed by the self-assembly of TCM components at the nanoscale and their unique biological effects.It also preliminarily constructs a modern scientific interpretation framework for TCM theories like"property-flavor-channel tropism"and"processing theory",centered around target distribution and regulation.Finally,this article proposes that"chemical biology of TCM,"as a key driver to discover original drug targets derived from TCM theory,is posited to offer a novel paradigm for innovative drug discovery and to contribute significantly to the modernization and scientific elucidation of TCM theory.
The academic value of the 2025 Forum on the Development of Young Talents in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)deserves attention.The most prominent feature of the forum was that many speakers,without prior agreement,shifted the focus of their discussions from specific research achievements to the methodology of Chinese medicine research itself.This collective consciousness of methodology reflects the intrinsic demand of the field at its current stage:The modern interpretation of Chinese medicine urgently requires the establishment of a research methodology system that matches its theoretical characteristics.The multi-disciplinary intersection trend presented at this forum is a systematic response to this demand and also sketches out the basic outline of the construction of an independent methodology for Chinese medicine.
The theory of"Wind Dispelling Dampness"originates from the Huangdi Neijing,with its core being the application of wind-dispelling herbs.Through clinical practice,professor ZHANG Shuxin,has identified that the core pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis(UC)lies in the persistent presence of dampness,which lingers in the intestines and is difficult to eliminate.Due to the"sticky and lingering nature of dampness",the disease often follows a prolonged and recurrent course.Conventional dampness-removing treatments often yield limited results,whereas the"Wind-Dispelling and Dampness-Resolving Method",established based on the theory of"Wind Dispelling Dampness",has shown significant efficacy.Under this theoretical framework,the Qufeng Ningkui formula was developed to dispel wind,resolve dampness,clear heat,cool the blood,and stop diarrhea,demonstrating notable clinical effectiveness.This theory and treatment approach can also provide guidance for other diseases caused by dampness.
This study summarizes the clinical experience of professor LIAN Jianwei,a nationally renowned traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)practitioner,in treating chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG)with syndrome differentiation based on pulse-taking.Professor LIAN emphasizes the importance of pulse diagnosis in TCM clinical practice,focusing on the normal and variant aspects of pulse methods,and centers on the dynamic changes of the"Guan pulse"to accurately determine the functional status of the spleen and stomach based on pulse variations,thereby formulating personalized treatment plans.For patients with a slow and moderate pulse,spleen and stomach deficiency and dampness due to spleen deficiency are often identified,and treatment mainly focuses on strengthening the spleen,resolving dampness,and boosting Qi to aid transportation,usually with modifications of Shenling Baizhu San.When the left Guan pulse is string-like and the right Guan pulse is slow and moderate,it indicates liver depression and spleen deficiency,and Xiaoyao San is commonly used to soothe the liver,nourish the blood,and strengthen the spleen,harmonizing the liver and spleen.If the right Guan pulse is large and the left Guan pulse is string-like,it mostly belongs to liver and stomach Qi stagnation,and Bupleurum Liver-soothing powder is often used to soothe the liver,regulate Qi,and harmonize the stomach.A large and empty right Guan pulse suggests insufficiency of Central Qi,and Buzhong Yiqi Tang is commonly used to tonify Qi and soothe the liver.In terms of medication,professor LIAN pays attention to patients'dietary habits and combines methods of eliminating dampness,promoting digestion,and activating blood circulation to improve symptoms and reverse atrophy.
Background:Mesalazine preparations serve as first-line therapy for active mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis(UC),however,not all patients respond to mesalazine.Patients with mesalazine-refractory UC often switch to corticosteroids,immunological therapy,and biological agents,but their use is limited owing to their well-characterised side effects(e.g.osteoporosis and cushingoid feature).Therefore,there is an unmet medical need for novel treatments with a manageable safety profile for patients with mesalazine-refractory UC.New Wumei Pill is a novel and effective herbal prescription for the treatment of UC,and our preliminary study suggested that New Wumei Pill has a significant effect on patients with mesalazine-refractory UC.However,its effectiveness and safety has not been evaluated convincingly. Objectives:This trail aims to evaluate efficacy,safety and mechanisms of New Wumei Pill in the treatment of patients with mesalazine-refractory UC. Methods:This is a prospective,randomized,double-blind control trial,in which 72 patients with mesalazine-refractory mild-to-moderate UC will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio in the treatment and control group.Patients will be screened for eligibility at the outpatient and ward of the Department of Gastroenterology in Dongfang Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.72 participants will undergo strict screening to meet the diagnostic criteria of mildly to moderately active UC,with modified Mayo score of 3-10 points.All patients will be administered by mesalazine enteric-coated tablets for 8 weeks,at the same time,the patients in treatment group will receive New Wumei Pill,while patients from control group will be administered by dummy New Wumei Pill. Results:The primary outcomes are clinical efficacy rate and clinical remission rate according to the modified Mayo score.The secondary outcomes are individual symptom score,TCM syndrome score,endoscopic response rate,mucosal healing rate,and quality of life scale score.Finally,biological samples from participants will be preserved to reveal the mechanisms of New Wumei Pill on UC. Conclusions:We hypothesize that the patients with mesalazine-refractory mild-to-moderate UC will benefit from New Wumei Pill.If successful,this trial will provide evidence of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of UC,and hold promises for novel options UC patients and policymakers.
