Author: Weidong Zhang
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128127457
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 382
Book Description
Systems Biology and Its Application in TCM Formulas Research presents a theoretical research system formed for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas, along with information on the study of Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SBP), a TCM formula that has shown significant clinical efficacy in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The content combines theory and practice, and includes guidance for both theoretical concepts and operable technical routes. This is a valuable source not only for biomedical researchers involved in Systems Biology studies, but also for students and scientists interested in learning more about Traditional Chinese Medicine and its applications in contemporary medicine. - Explains, in detail, the Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SBP), a TCM formula efficiently applied in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases - Presents TCM formulas from perspectives of systems biology, basic chemical material groups, modern pharmacology and network biology - Offers an overview on biology, modern chemistry and information technology as applied in Systems Biology research
Systems Biology and Its Application in TCM Formulas Research
Author: Weidong Zhang
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128127457
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 382
Book Description
Systems Biology and Its Application in TCM Formulas Research presents a theoretical research system formed for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas, along with information on the study of Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SBP), a TCM formula that has shown significant clinical efficacy in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The content combines theory and practice, and includes guidance for both theoretical concepts and operable technical routes. This is a valuable source not only for biomedical researchers involved in Systems Biology studies, but also for students and scientists interested in learning more about Traditional Chinese Medicine and its applications in contemporary medicine. - Explains, in detail, the Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SBP), a TCM formula efficiently applied in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases - Presents TCM formulas from perspectives of systems biology, basic chemical material groups, modern pharmacology and network biology - Offers an overview on biology, modern chemistry and information technology as applied in Systems Biology research
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128127457
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 382
Book Description
Systems Biology and Its Application in TCM Formulas Research presents a theoretical research system formed for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas, along with information on the study of Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SBP), a TCM formula that has shown significant clinical efficacy in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The content combines theory and practice, and includes guidance for both theoretical concepts and operable technical routes. This is a valuable source not only for biomedical researchers involved in Systems Biology studies, but also for students and scientists interested in learning more about Traditional Chinese Medicine and its applications in contemporary medicine. - Explains, in detail, the Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SBP), a TCM formula efficiently applied in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases - Presents TCM formulas from perspectives of systems biology, basic chemical material groups, modern pharmacology and network biology - Offers an overview on biology, modern chemistry and information technology as applied in Systems Biology research
Systems Biology for Traditional Chinese Medicine
Author: Guoan Luo
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118313356
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 518
Book Description
The application of systems biology methods to Traditional Chinese Medicine Emphasizing the harmony of the human body with the environment, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has evolved over thousands of years. It is a systemic theory derived from clinical experience, the philosophy of holism and systematology, and the belief that man is an integral part of nature. Systems Biology for Traditional Chinese Medicine describes how the latest methods in systems biology can be applied to TCM, providing a comprehensive resource for the modernization and advancement of TCM as well as general drug discovery efforts. It is the first comprehensive work to propose a system-to-system research methodology to study the interaction between TCM and the human body and its applications in drug research and development. Using three popular traditional Chinese medicines—Shuanglongfang, Qingkailing, and Liushenwan—as examples, the authors set forth case examples demonstrating how to find material groups, perform efficacy screenings, and conduct safety evaluations of TCM. The book also: Describes the mechanisms of TCM at the molecular and systems levels using chemomics, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics Places modern scientific technologies within the context of TCM, helping drug researchers improve experimental designs and strategies Illustrates how a systems biology approach is compatible with TCM's traditional, holistic therapeutic strategies and treatment modalities Presents topics of current interest, such as integrated global systems biology and the application of chemometrics research to herbal medicines This book not only opens a new pathway for the continued development of TCM, but also for systems biology. In addition, it fosters collaboration and discussion among Eastern and Western scientists by applying systems biology to TCM.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118313356
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 518
Book Description
The application of systems biology methods to Traditional Chinese Medicine Emphasizing the harmony of the human body with the environment, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has evolved over thousands of years. It is a systemic theory derived from clinical experience, the philosophy of holism and systematology, and the belief that man is an integral part of nature. Systems Biology for Traditional Chinese Medicine describes how the latest methods in systems biology can be applied to TCM, providing a comprehensive resource for the modernization and advancement of TCM as well as general drug discovery efforts. It is the first comprehensive work to propose a system-to-system research methodology to study the interaction between TCM and the human body and its applications in drug research and development. Using three popular traditional Chinese medicines—Shuanglongfang, Qingkailing, and Liushenwan—as examples, the authors set forth case examples demonstrating how to find material groups, perform efficacy screenings, and conduct safety evaluations of TCM. The book also: Describes the mechanisms of TCM at the molecular and systems levels using chemomics, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics Places modern scientific technologies within the context of TCM, helping drug researchers improve experimental designs and strategies Illustrates how a systems biology approach is compatible with TCM's traditional, holistic therapeutic strategies and treatment modalities Presents topics of current interest, such as integrated global systems biology and the application of chemometrics research to herbal medicines This book not only opens a new pathway for the continued development of TCM, but also for systems biology. In addition, it fosters collaboration and discussion among Eastern and Western scientists by applying systems biology to TCM.
Network Pharmacology
Author: Shao Li
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 9811607532
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 480
Book Description
This book introduces “network pharmacology” as an emerging frontier subject of systematic drug research in the era of artificial intelligence and big data. Network Pharmacology is an original subject of fusion system biology, bioinformatics, network science and other related disciplines. It emphasizes on starting from the overall perspective of the system level and biological networks, the analysis of the laws of molecular association between drugs and their treatment objects, reveals the systematic pharmacological mechanisms of drugs, and guides the research and development of new drugs and clinical diagnosis and treatment. After it was proposed, network pharmacology has been paid attention by researchers, and it has been rapidly developed and widely used. In order to systematically reveal the biological basis of diagnosis and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine, we proposed a new concept of "network target" for the first time, which has become the core theory of "network pharmacology". The core principle of a network target is to construct a biological network that can be used to decipher complex diseases. The network is then used as the therapeutic target, to which multicomponent remedies are applied. This book mainly includes four parts: 1) The concept and theory of network pharmacology; 2) Common analysis methods, databases and software in network pharmacological research; 3) Typical cases of traditional Chinese medicine modernization and modern drug research based on network pharmacology; 4) Network pharmacology practice process based on drugs and diseases.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 9811607532
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 480
Book Description
This book introduces “network pharmacology” as an emerging frontier subject of systematic drug research in the era of artificial intelligence and big data. Network Pharmacology is an original subject of fusion system biology, bioinformatics, network science and other related disciplines. It emphasizes on starting from the overall perspective of the system level and biological networks, the analysis of the laws of molecular association between drugs and their treatment objects, reveals the systematic pharmacological mechanisms of drugs, and guides the research and development of new drugs and clinical diagnosis and treatment. After it was proposed, network pharmacology has been paid attention by researchers, and it has been rapidly developed and widely used. In order to systematically reveal the biological basis of diagnosis and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine, we proposed a new concept of "network target" for the first time, which has become the core theory of "network pharmacology". The core principle of a network target is to construct a biological network that can be used to decipher complex diseases. The network is then used as the therapeutic target, to which multicomponent remedies are applied. This book mainly includes four parts: 1) The concept and theory of network pharmacology; 2) Common analysis methods, databases and software in network pharmacological research; 3) Typical cases of traditional Chinese medicine modernization and modern drug research based on network pharmacology; 4) Network pharmacology practice process based on drugs and diseases.
Chinese Drugs of Plant Origin
Author: Weici Tang
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642737390
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 1005
Book Description
Traditional Chinese medicine has been used for thousands of years by a large population. It is currently still serving many of the health needs of the Chinese people; and still enjoying their confi dence it is practised in China in parallel with modern Western medical treatment. In addition to scientific organisations dedi cated to modern Western medicine, e. g. the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and various medical schools, a series of parallel institutions have been established in China to promote traditional Chinese medicine, such as the Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine and training institutions. Almost all hospitals in China have a department of traditional medicine. Furthermore, a large number of scientific journals are dedicated to traditional Chinese medicine, covering both experimental and clinical investigations. Medicinal materials constitute a key topic in the treatment of disease according to traditional Chinese medicine. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia (1985 edition) is therefore divided into two sepa rate volumes, Volume I containing traditional Chinese medicinal materials and preparations and Volume II containing pharmaceu tics of Western medicine. The oldest Chinese review of medicinal materials, Shennong Bencao Jing (100-200 A. D. ), covered 365 herbal drugs. The clas sic compilation in this field, Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), was published in 1578 by Li Shi-zhen and recorded as many as 1898 crude drugs of plant, animal and min eral origin.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642737390
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 1005
Book Description
Traditional Chinese medicine has been used for thousands of years by a large population. It is currently still serving many of the health needs of the Chinese people; and still enjoying their confi dence it is practised in China in parallel with modern Western medical treatment. In addition to scientific organisations dedi cated to modern Western medicine, e. g. the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and various medical schools, a series of parallel institutions have been established in China to promote traditional Chinese medicine, such as the Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine and training institutions. Almost all hospitals in China have a department of traditional medicine. Furthermore, a large number of scientific journals are dedicated to traditional Chinese medicine, covering both experimental and clinical investigations. Medicinal materials constitute a key topic in the treatment of disease according to traditional Chinese medicine. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia (1985 edition) is therefore divided into two sepa rate volumes, Volume I containing traditional Chinese medicinal materials and preparations and Volume II containing pharmaceu tics of Western medicine. The oldest Chinese review of medicinal materials, Shennong Bencao Jing (100-200 A. D. ), covered 365 herbal drugs. The clas sic compilation in this field, Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), was published in 1578 by Li Shi-zhen and recorded as many as 1898 crude drugs of plant, animal and min eral origin.
Drug Discovery and Evaluation: Methods in Clinical Pharmacology
Author: H.Gerhard Vogel
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3540898905
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 576
Book Description
Drug Discovery and Evaluation has become a more and more difficult, expensive and time-consuming process. The effect of a new compound has to be detected by in vitro and in vivo methods of pharmacology. The activity spectrum and the potency compared to existing drugs have to be determined. As these processes can be divided up stepwise we have designed a book series "Drug Discovery and Evaluation" in the form of a recommendation document. The methods to detect drug targets are described in the first volume of this series "Pharmacological Assays" comprising classical methods as well as new technologies. Before going to man, the most suitable compound has to be selected by pharmacokinetic studies and experiments in toxicology. These preclinical methods are described in the second volume „Safety and Pharmacokinetic Assays". Only then are first studies in human beings allowed. Special rules are established for Phase I studies. Clinical pharmacokinetics are performed in parallel with human studies on tolerability and therapeutic effects. Special studies according to various populations and different therapeutic indications are necessary. These items are covered in the third volume: „Methods in Clinical Pharmacology".
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3540898905
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 576
Book Description
Drug Discovery and Evaluation has become a more and more difficult, expensive and time-consuming process. The effect of a new compound has to be detected by in vitro and in vivo methods of pharmacology. The activity spectrum and the potency compared to existing drugs have to be determined. As these processes can be divided up stepwise we have designed a book series "Drug Discovery and Evaluation" in the form of a recommendation document. The methods to detect drug targets are described in the first volume of this series "Pharmacological Assays" comprising classical methods as well as new technologies. Before going to man, the most suitable compound has to be selected by pharmacokinetic studies and experiments in toxicology. These preclinical methods are described in the second volume „Safety and Pharmacokinetic Assays". Only then are first studies in human beings allowed. Special rules are established for Phase I studies. Clinical pharmacokinetics are performed in parallel with human studies on tolerability and therapeutic effects. Special studies according to various populations and different therapeutic indications are necessary. These items are covered in the third volume: „Methods in Clinical Pharmacology".
Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine
Author: Friedrich G. Wallner
Publisher: Peter Lang Gmbh, Internationaler Verlag Der Wissenschaften
ISBN: 9783631567098
Category : Manners and customs
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
This volume presents texts written by Austrian and Chinese experts in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The issue the authors worked on is the basic problem how to make a different system of medical thinking plausible for the Western world, especially for Western medicine. This issue is considered from different viewpoints - from the viewpoint of Western medicine that is familiar with Chinese medicine and contrariwise from the viewpoint of Chinese Medicine that is familiar with its Western counterpart and from a philosophical viewpoint. In this way both differences in the theoretical systems of Western and Chinese medicine and problems of adequate translation are profundly discussed.
Publisher: Peter Lang Gmbh, Internationaler Verlag Der Wissenschaften
ISBN: 9783631567098
Category : Manners and customs
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
This volume presents texts written by Austrian and Chinese experts in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The issue the authors worked on is the basic problem how to make a different system of medical thinking plausible for the Western world, especially for Western medicine. This issue is considered from different viewpoints - from the viewpoint of Western medicine that is familiar with Chinese medicine and contrariwise from the viewpoint of Chinese Medicine that is familiar with its Western counterpart and from a philosophical viewpoint. In this way both differences in the theoretical systems of Western and Chinese medicine and problems of adequate translation are profundly discussed.
Rayleigh-benard Convection: Structures And Dynamics
Author: Alexander V Getling
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9814498971
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 256
Book Description
This invaluable book presents a concise but systematic account of the formation of spatial flow structures in a horizontal fluid layer heated from below. Flows of this type, known as Rayleigh-Bénard convection, show important features of behaviour inherent not only in various hydrodynamic-instability phenomena but also in nonlinear pattern-forming processes in other contexts. The book describes the basic methods of investigating convection patterns, and the types of two- and three-dimensional flows, pattern defects, and sequences of convection-regime changes.The author pays special attention to the question of how various factors (mainly reducible to initial and boundary conditions) determine the shapes and sizes of the structures which develop. In this way, the role of order and disorder in flow patterns, as a factor strongly affecting the character of the evolution of structures, is revealed. The presentation emphasizes the physical picture of these phenomena, without excessive mathematical detail.
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9814498971
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 256
Book Description
This invaluable book presents a concise but systematic account of the formation of spatial flow structures in a horizontal fluid layer heated from below. Flows of this type, known as Rayleigh-Bénard convection, show important features of behaviour inherent not only in various hydrodynamic-instability phenomena but also in nonlinear pattern-forming processes in other contexts. The book describes the basic methods of investigating convection patterns, and the types of two- and three-dimensional flows, pattern defects, and sequences of convection-regime changes.The author pays special attention to the question of how various factors (mainly reducible to initial and boundary conditions) determine the shapes and sizes of the structures which develop. In this way, the role of order and disorder in flow patterns, as a factor strongly affecting the character of the evolution of structures, is revealed. The presentation emphasizes the physical picture of these phenomena, without excessive mathematical detail.
Hot and Cold Theory: The Path Towards Personalized Medicine
Author: Maryam Yavari
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030809838
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 182
Book Description
This book is about the theory of Hot and Cold, a mutual fundamental base of traditional medicines all around the world. The theory describes the dynamic balance state of the body on the axis of hot and cold for each individual and proposes the fact that deviation from this equilibrium is a predisposing factor for diseases. Such an approach helps practitioners to provide treatments tailored to the patient’s condition, not the disease. This book, for the first time, has gathered native descriptions of Hot and Cold theory in different traditional medicines, including traditional Chinese medicine, Persian (Humoral, Unani) medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and Latin American and Caribbean medicines. After defining the common ground, contemporary research - in nutrition, pharmacology, physiology and systems biology - has been explored using scientific methodology. This work is the result of an international collaboration of more than 30 scientists and scholars with high reputations in their fields. Hot and Cold theory, as a holistic individualized approach in prevention, diagnosis and treatment, can be merged into the novel fast-paced concepts in systems biology and precision medicine. Through this bridge, the authors propose that the Hot and Cold theory should be revisited more deeply by medical scientists, who are the main audience of this book, to pave the way towards integrated holistic personalized medicine.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030809838
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 182
Book Description
This book is about the theory of Hot and Cold, a mutual fundamental base of traditional medicines all around the world. The theory describes the dynamic balance state of the body on the axis of hot and cold for each individual and proposes the fact that deviation from this equilibrium is a predisposing factor for diseases. Such an approach helps practitioners to provide treatments tailored to the patient’s condition, not the disease. This book, for the first time, has gathered native descriptions of Hot and Cold theory in different traditional medicines, including traditional Chinese medicine, Persian (Humoral, Unani) medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and Latin American and Caribbean medicines. After defining the common ground, contemporary research - in nutrition, pharmacology, physiology and systems biology - has been explored using scientific methodology. This work is the result of an international collaboration of more than 30 scientists and scholars with high reputations in their fields. Hot and Cold theory, as a holistic individualized approach in prevention, diagnosis and treatment, can be merged into the novel fast-paced concepts in systems biology and precision medicine. Through this bridge, the authors propose that the Hot and Cold theory should be revisited more deeply by medical scientists, who are the main audience of this book, to pave the way towards integrated holistic personalized medicine.
Synthetic Biology
Author: Huimin Zhao
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0123978203
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 352
Book Description
Synthetic Biology provides a framework to examine key enabling components in the emerging area of synthetic biology. Chapters contributed by leaders in the field address tools and methodologies developed for engineering biological systems at many levels, including molecular, pathway, network, whole cell, and multi-cell levels. The book highlights exciting practical applications of synthetic biology such as microbial production of biofuels and drugs, artificial cells, synthetic viruses, and artificial photosynthesis. The roles of computers and computational design are discussed, as well as future prospects in the field, including cell-free synthetic biology and engineering synthetic ecosystems.Synthetic biology is the design and construction of new biological entities, such as enzymes, genetic circuits, and cells, or the redesign of existing biological systems. It builds on the advances in molecular, cell, and systems biology and seeks to transform biology in the same way that synthesis transformed chemistry and integrated circuit design transformed computing. The element that distinguishes synthetic biology from traditional molecular and cellular biology is the focus on the design and construction of core components that can be modeled, understood, and tuned to meet specific performance criteria and the assembly of these smaller parts and devices into larger integrated systems that solve specific biotechnology problems. - Includes contributions from leaders in the field presents examples of ambitious synthetic biology efforts including creation of artificial cells from scratch, cell-free synthesis of chemicals, fuels, and proteins, engineering of artificial photosynthesis for biofuels production, and creation of unnatural living organisms - Describes the latest state-of-the-art tools developed for low-cost synthesis of ever-increasing sizes of DNA and efficient modification of proteins, pathways, and genomes - Highlights key technologies for analyzing biological systems at the genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic levels which are especially valuable in pathway, whole cell, and multi-cell applications - Details mathematical modeling tools and computational tools which can dramatically increase the speed of the design process as well as reduce the cost of development
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0123978203
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 352
Book Description
Synthetic Biology provides a framework to examine key enabling components in the emerging area of synthetic biology. Chapters contributed by leaders in the field address tools and methodologies developed for engineering biological systems at many levels, including molecular, pathway, network, whole cell, and multi-cell levels. The book highlights exciting practical applications of synthetic biology such as microbial production of biofuels and drugs, artificial cells, synthetic viruses, and artificial photosynthesis. The roles of computers and computational design are discussed, as well as future prospects in the field, including cell-free synthetic biology and engineering synthetic ecosystems.Synthetic biology is the design and construction of new biological entities, such as enzymes, genetic circuits, and cells, or the redesign of existing biological systems. It builds on the advances in molecular, cell, and systems biology and seeks to transform biology in the same way that synthesis transformed chemistry and integrated circuit design transformed computing. The element that distinguishes synthetic biology from traditional molecular and cellular biology is the focus on the design and construction of core components that can be modeled, understood, and tuned to meet specific performance criteria and the assembly of these smaller parts and devices into larger integrated systems that solve specific biotechnology problems. - Includes contributions from leaders in the field presents examples of ambitious synthetic biology efforts including creation of artificial cells from scratch, cell-free synthesis of chemicals, fuels, and proteins, engineering of artificial photosynthesis for biofuels production, and creation of unnatural living organisms - Describes the latest state-of-the-art tools developed for low-cost synthesis of ever-increasing sizes of DNA and efficient modification of proteins, pathways, and genomes - Highlights key technologies for analyzing biological systems at the genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic levels which are especially valuable in pathway, whole cell, and multi-cell applications - Details mathematical modeling tools and computational tools which can dramatically increase the speed of the design process as well as reduce the cost of development
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Author: James D Adams
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN: 1782624937
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 363
Book Description
Traditional Chinese medicine has a strong scientific basis, but the science of these important preparations is often rarely discussed. Western approaches often simplify traditional Chinese medicine to drug discovery in Chinese plants, however, the majority of traditional Chinese medications use complex mixtures of plant extracts, rather than single purified drugs. The combination of different extracts is based on yin, yang and chi theories, which are often poorly understood in the West. Yin and yang are known to be the balance of agonists and antagonists, whereas chi derives from signalling processes in the body and regulates bodily functions. Traditional Chinese medical practitioners understand that yin, yang and chi constantly interact in the body to maintain health. Western medical practitioners understand how to use agonists and antagonists and how to modify signalling processes, but generally do not accept the use of complex plant extracts to perform these functions. Aimed at medical scientists, and including detailed explanations of the theories behind the science, this text may help researchers to understand Chinese medical practitioners and to communicate more effectively with them. It will also lead to greater acceptance of traditional medications in the West. Presenting a clear rationale for the use of traditional Chinese medications in Western medical facilities, it enables scientists to find new directions in experimental design and encourage examination of these useful, but often poorly understood, preparations in clinical trials.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN: 1782624937
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 363
Book Description
Traditional Chinese medicine has a strong scientific basis, but the science of these important preparations is often rarely discussed. Western approaches often simplify traditional Chinese medicine to drug discovery in Chinese plants, however, the majority of traditional Chinese medications use complex mixtures of plant extracts, rather than single purified drugs. The combination of different extracts is based on yin, yang and chi theories, which are often poorly understood in the West. Yin and yang are known to be the balance of agonists and antagonists, whereas chi derives from signalling processes in the body and regulates bodily functions. Traditional Chinese medical practitioners understand that yin, yang and chi constantly interact in the body to maintain health. Western medical practitioners understand how to use agonists and antagonists and how to modify signalling processes, but generally do not accept the use of complex plant extracts to perform these functions. Aimed at medical scientists, and including detailed explanations of the theories behind the science, this text may help researchers to understand Chinese medical practitioners and to communicate more effectively with them. It will also lead to greater acceptance of traditional medications in the West. Presenting a clear rationale for the use of traditional Chinese medications in Western medical facilities, it enables scientists to find new directions in experimental design and encourage examination of these useful, but often poorly understood, preparations in clinical trials.