Revisiting traditional Chinese materia medica from European historical collections and perspective for current use.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aim

Chinese Materia Medica (CMM) is subject to changes over time. Investigating changes in botanical ingredients, applications, plant parts used as well as name changes over time, contribute to the understanding of the history and development of CMM.

Materials and methods

This study compares four historic collections of CMM, located in Europe, compiled between 1700 and the late 19th century, with a list of contemporary CMM marketed in Europe.

Results

More than 1700 specimens within these five collections. The dominant families are Fabaceae (5.3-7.2%) and Asteraceae (4.1-5.7%), while half of the medicinal parts are represented by roots or rhizomes and fruits and/or seeds. Their importance has been stable in a time span of 300 years. The proportion of ani

SUBMITTER: Jia Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9072815 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature