The Foundation was established in 1995 and currently operates two research centers, one located in the US and the other in China. Both centers are known as Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research and each is affiliated with a renowned academic institution in its host country.

The research centers hope to apply innovative technology and research techniques in determining the principle and applicability of various traditional Chinese medicines (TCM). It is expected that through this approach the quality and efficacy of the medicines will be enhanced, and in turn lead to greater acceptance of TCM usage both as pharmaceuticals and as health supplements. The research work will include investigation into the properties of herbal medicines, a scientific approach to determine the advantages and possible dangers of herbal therapies, and investigating the efficacy of commonly used herbal medicines.