Recalling the research and development of new drugs originating from Chinese traditional and herbal drugs

摘要

Traditional Chinese medicine played an important role in the health care needs of Chinese and other oriental countries for thousands of years. About 140 new drugs have originated directly or indirectly from Chinese medicinal plants by means of modern scientific methods. This fact has shown that Chinese medicinal plants are an important source of new drugs. These new drugs are grouped under different pharmacological actions: 36 which affect the cardiovascular system, 23 anticancer drugs 21, which affect the nervous system, 15 which affect the respiratory system, 18 antimicrobials, 14 for the digestive system, 9 for eliminating parasites, 5 for family planning, and 1 eye medicine. All these drugs are further divided into four categories according to their characteristics: known compound, but new usage; new compound and new usage; semi synthesis, chemical modification of the active principles of medicinal plants and total synthesis based on the active principle isolated from medicinal plants. Based on rough statistics, about 140 new drugs have been developed since 1949, of which about 80 originated directly or indirectly from medicinal plants. This background has shown that increasing emphasis on the use of medicinal plants in searching for new drugs in China is undoubtedly correct strategy. This review was to recall the experiences and achievements on research and development of new drugs from Chinese traditional and herbal drugs, and to discuss the challenges faced in Modern Research and Development of Medicinal Plants. Chinese traditional and herb drags have gained interest from the international medical, biomedicai and pharmaceutical institutions as a potential source of valuable medicinal agents. This interest has needed to apply modern research and development and to explore the full medical potential of resources of Chinese traditional and herb drags, especially from medicinal plants.