The Art and Science of Traditional Medicine Part 2: Multidisciplinary Approaches for Studying Traditional Medicine

Abstract

In this second of three special supplements, herbal genomics as a novel approach for revolutionizing research on, and ultimately use of, traditional herbal medicines and other materia medica, as well as advances in their quality control and standardization, is highlighted. A prominent focus is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s practical framework for developing botanicals (including traditional medicines) into new drugs based on the same standards as small molecule drugs. The application of mechanistic studies to drug discovery and development from traditional therapies is discussed, with an emphasis on preclinical toxicology assessments, pharmacovigilance, comparative effectiveness research, and the practice of "P4" medicine, particularly in the context of influenza, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and cancer. This special supplement brought to you by the Science /AAAS Custom Publishing Office.