Chinese Medicine and Its Metabolism:Current Status and Future Development
中药及其复方的体内代谢研究现状与未来发展

Metabolism of Chinese medicine and associated formula makes a frontier,through which researchers improve their understanding of bioactive components and in vivo biological reactions of Chinese medicines.The study presents an enor- mous potentiality for evaluating Chinese medicines on a scientific basis,allowing better knowledge of a range of issues, including bioactive components,in vivo effects of bioactive components,and the relationship between bioactive compo- nents and therapeutic effects.Study of the metabolism of Chinese medicines is a systematic process,improving people' s understanding of scientific elements behind mysterious traditional formulas,and presenting an opportunity for knowing how it works,rather than how it looks,a hurdle that has long mystified TCM research.The study will eventually lead to the establishment of an ADME/Tox platform for evaluating Chinese medicines.This paper discusses the latest progresses achieved in the area,and proposes new insights for the future development.