Lingzhi-Candidate for an International Recognized Medicine

摘要

The ultimate goal for any medicine, regardless of orthodox or traditional, is the same; i. e., safely eliminate disease or disorder and to restore human body normal function whereas pharmacology might be the bridge for the missing link between these two different kinds of medicine. Although traditional Chinese medicine has been used for thousands of years, owing to the difference in environment and perception between the past and present, such kind of finished products should be validated scientifically and under control, particularly when they are mostly available over-the- counter. "Traditional or complementary medicine is victim of both uncritical enthusiasts and uninformed skeptics", citied by Dr. Yasuhiro Suzuki, WHO Executive Director for Health Technology and Pharmaceuticals at a press release for "WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2002~ 2005". "This strategy is intended to tap into real potential for people's health and well-being, while minimizing the risks of unproven or misused remedies. "Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum), a member of fungus family used in China for thousands of years, has shown anti-tumor and other immunological as well as cardio-vascular properties in vitro and animal studies. With the encouraging recognition from United Kingdom together with professionalism and ethic, more researches on its quality standard and dosage regimen will prompt Lingzhi to become a candidate for an international recognized medicine.