Table of Contents
Foreword ix
Acknowledgment xi
Authors xiii
Chapter 1 Background and content 1
Book contents 4
Further suggested reading 6
Chapter 2 The beginning of TCM in China and TCM herbalism 7
Classical TCM herbal literature 7
Botanical classification of TCM herbs 12
Identification of medicinal plants 15
Medicinal botany 16
TCM preparations 17
Internationalization of TCM 18
Further suggested reading 20
Chapter 3 TCM theory and practice 21
Introduction 21
What is Chinese medicine? 21
Initiation of a theoretical system of Chinese medicine 21
Traditional categorization 22
Cardinal characteristics of Chinese medicine 23
Yin and yang theory and application to Chinese medicine 25
Characteristics of yin and yang 25
Wax and wane and transformation of yin-yang 26
Summary of application of yin-yang theory in Chinese medicine 26
The five elements 26
The meaning of qi, blood, body fluids, and essence 30
Function of qi 30
Therapeutic modalities 30
Herbology 31
Acupuncture 31
Moxibustion 31
Cupping 31
Exercise therapy 31
Dietary therapy 32
Medical massage (Tui-Na) and manipulation 32
Bone setting 32
Diagnosis 32
Palpation 36
Pulse examination 36
Location of pulse 37
An example of a diagnosis 37
Further suggested reading 39
Chapter 4 Traditional Chinese medicinal herbs 41
Herbal drug character and property 42
Herbal formulas 44
TCM dietary therapy 49
Biologically active ingredients from TCM herbs 50
Future prospects 51
Further suggested reading 52
Chapter 5 Examples of TCM formulas used in Chinese medicine 53
Herbal medicine 53
Efficacy of TCM 55
Some examples of complex formulas used in TCM 55
Danggui-Buxue-Tang 63
Four Gentlemen Decoction (Si Jun Zi Tang) 64
Suan Zao Ren Tang (Sour Jujube Decoction) 65
Further suggested reading 66
Bibliography 67
Chapter 6 Examples of single Chinese and botanical medicines derived from TCM 69
Introduction 69
Evidence-based approach 70
Artemisinin: A Chinese miracle drug 70
Malaria 70
Ginkgo 73
Ginseng 75
Introduction 75
Ginsenoside variation and standardization 75
Ratio of Rg1 and Rb1 and the yin and the yang 75
Adaptogen and effects on exercise performance 77
Green tea 78
Introduction 78
Anticancer mechanisms of action 79
Inhibition of NADH oxidase activity 79
Chinese Cordyceps: Winter Worm, Summer Grass 80
Introduction 80
Life cycle of Cordyceps sinensis 81
Perceived health benefits 82
Salvia (Danshen) 83
Red yeast rice, Monascus purpureas 87
Dong quai, Angelica sinensis 88
Garlic 89
Use of garlic in cardiovascular disease models 90
Ephedra, Ephedra sinica 92
Further suggested reading 94
Suggested reading on Ginkgo 94
Suggested reading on Ginseng 94
Suggested reading on Green tea 94
Suggested reading on Cordyceps 95
Suggested reading on Salvia 95
Suggested reading on Garlic 95
Chapter 7 TCM safety and regulations 97
TCM safety concerns 97
Toxic compounds and contaminants in TCM herbs 98
Aristolochia and Asarum species 98
The toxic Aconitum plants 103
Datura metel L 105
Xanthium sibiricum poisoning 106
Chinese medicinal products 107
Po Chai Pills 107
PC-SPES 108
Further suggested reading 111
Bibliography 111
Chapter 8 The current use of TCM in China, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia 113
China 113
TCM regulation in China 114
Class 1 to class 9 drugs in China 114
Malaysia 116
Singapore 117
Indonesia 117
Australia 117
Hong Kong 118
TCM as part of the medical system in Hong Kong 119
TCM trading in Hong Kong 120
TCM education in Hong Kong 122
TCM regulations in Hong Kong 123
TCM monographs 123
TCM in Hong Kong: Present and future 123
Further suggested reading 124
Chapter 9 Global acceptance of TCM 125
Acceptance of TCM in the world 125
Resurgence of consumer interest: A need for better science in botanical preparations 128
TCM needs TQM 129
Further suggested reading 131
Appendix: Plant names 133
Glossary of terms 137
Bibliography 141
Index 143
