The rise in the popularity of traditional Chinese remedies and practices means there would be an increase in worldwide Research and Development (R&D) efforts involving Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The R&D efforts, however, will require easily accessible clinical data. Elsevier recently launched the first branch of its Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) taxonomy in collaboration with the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM). Acupuncture, a therapeutic model and key component of TCM, is the first branch of the taxonomy that is available now.
The TCM taxonomy will provide scientists access to a database of integrated health and medical research. Better accessibility will help develop their understanding of TCM as a holistic approach. Besides, the taxonomy aligns with the goals set by the Chinese government in its Healthy China 2030 plan, which recognizes the potential for TCM to play a valuable role in the prevention and management of chronic diseases, in conjunction with primary health care.
Alongside traditional terms, the taxonomy will have the English and Chinese names (Pinyin) for concepts. Consequently, users will have comprehensive information on a single platform. As the taxonomy evolves, it will have information on the ingredients of specific TCM formulas. This knowledge will empower researchers address issues around safety by preventing potentially harmful interactions between TCM and Western medications. Further, it will allow the development of innovative pharmaceuticals using knowledge from ancient therapies and herbal medicines.
The acupuncture branch of the taxonomy is currently available to all with a subscription to Embase. Elsevier and BUCM are currently working on the second branch of the taxonomy – herbal medicinal formulae – with releases planned for Q4 2020.
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