After the successful introduction of acupuncture to the West, recent advances in analytical methods in chemistry, molecular biology and systems biology ¿ especially the development of the ¿omic¿ technologies ¿ have again brought Chinese drugs into the focus of research on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). With more than 1000 publications on the chemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology of TCM drugs in international journals over the last 10 years, Chinese drugs are gaining increasingly reputation and impact. These data offer great opportunities for the development of new pharmaceuticals for various clinical applications. International scientists have compiled relevant and trend setting research results in this book. Topics range from the latest methods of quality and safety assurance by chemical and genetic fingerprints to the development of new pharmaceuticals for a future evidence-based therapy e.g. for cancer, cardiovascular, inflammatory or infectious diseases as well as to recent experimental results on multitarget and synergy research for the preparation of multi-extract-pharmaceuticals from TCM.

Evidence based review on TCM drugs and TCM drug combinations

Development of New Analytical Monographs of TCM-drugs for Quality Proof and Development of new Phytopharmaceuticals .- DNA-based authentication of TCM-plants: Current Progress and Future Perspectives .- Newest Results of the Chemistry and Pharmacology of Triterpen- and Steroid-Saponins containing TCM-drugs .- Efficacy of Andrographis paniculata in upper respiratory tract (URT) infectious diseases and the mechanisms of action .- Chemical Composition, experimental and Clinical Pharmacology of Hippohae rhamnoides (buckthorn berries and leaves) .- New results of the Pharmacology and Clinic of the TCM-drugs Salvia miltiorhiza .- Phytochemicals from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as novel adjuncts for Cancer Therapy I .- New results of Artesunate for cancer therapy .- Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of ischemic stroke: promise and reality .- Complementary and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the treatment of gynaecological diseases .- Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 : From an ancient Asian plant to a modern European herbal medicinal product .- Gingkolides and Their Derivatives: Synthetic and Biorganic Studies .- Evidence based modernisation of TCM.