Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research at the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (CACMS)

Established in May 2000 in Beijing, the Center is affiliated with the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica (ICMM).

ICMM is designated by the Chinese government as the primary national institution to engage in traditional Chinese pharmaceutical research and clinical practice, and offers graduate and post-graduate studies in this discipline. The Institute is under the direct jurisdiction of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicines of the Ministry of Health. ICMM’s mission: (1) to adopt a scientific approach to the study of the production and delivery of traditional Chinese pharmaceuticals, (2) to engage in, and/or provide consultation to, clinical trials and pharmaceutical production, (3) to study the basic theories of traditional Chinese pharmaceuticals and their applications, (4) to validate under scientific conditions the efficacy of traditional Chinese pharmaceuticals, (5) to raise the study of traditional pharmaceuticals to modern scientific levels, (6) to develop and spread China’s exceptional body of medical knowledge for the benefit of all.

In 1983, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated ICMM as the China unit of The Collaborative Centre for Traditional Medicines. In addition, WHO has sent medical professionals from many countries to ICMM for further studies and training in traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM). The Institute has over seventy senior research members on its staff.

The Tang Center is primarily focused on the study of the principals that govern the actions and mechanisms of traditional herbal medicines, and in the application of such medicines to prevent/cure diseases, and in their efficacy as health supplements. It is also engaged in the research of folk remedies of China’s minority nationalities. Current R&D projects include:

1) Pharmaceuticals to treat/ameliorate effects on bone in cases of arthritis, osteoporosis, etc.

2) Pharmaceuticals for treatment/prevention of viral diseases.

3) Folk remedies of the Yao minority.

4) The interactions among the various ingredients in complex TCM remedies.

The Director of the Center is Dr. Jiang Tingliang. Dr Jiang has been associated with ICMM since 1966 and headed the Institute from 1983 to 1993. During that period, he was also the director of the World Health Organization’s Collaborative Centre for Traditional Medicines. Dr Jiang is a recognized authority on TCM research. His main areas of TCM work include preventative medicine against tumors, theory and applications of herbal medicines, procedures to conducting experiments of herbal medicine, and the development of new herbal remedies.

Dr Jiang and his associates have conducted extensive studies on folk remedies against cancer-related illnesses, and have validated the effectiveness of certain herbs in slowing the kill-rate of leucocytes when undergoing chemotherapy, and slowing the growth rate of tumors resulting from cancer-inducing chemicals. The research team has also developed new herbal treatments for lung cancer, hepatitis, upper respiratory tract and urinary tract infections.

Dr Jiang continues to hold the post of Chief Senior Research Member of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. In addition, he is also on the Advisory Board of the Tang Center in the US.