Chinese herb in prostate cancer trial
Upi.com, 1 November 2011

An ancient Chinese herbal remedy is being tested in a clinical trial as a prostate cancer treatment drug, U.S. researchers say. Adanki Pratap Kumar, a professor of urology in the University of Texas, discovered in his laboratory that there was something special about the extract -- from the bark of the Amur cork tree in China -- in combination with radiation treatments that seemed to make both work much better. Kumar and colleagues are testing the supplement with radiation treatments against prostate cancer in patients. Since the supplement has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years, there is not much fear the tree bark will have toxic side effects in study participants.

China to launch massive survey on TCM resources
English.news.cn, 6 November 2011

China will soon launch its fourth national survey on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) resources to secure the industry's sustainable development. The preparatory work has been completed and a pilot program for the survey will commence soon, covering six provinces and regions, including Anhui, Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan, Xinjiang and Yunnan, said Wang Guoqiang, vice minister of health. The last survey was conducted between 1983 and 1987, which indicated that the country had over 12,000 types of TCM resources with the majority in the wild. Experts predict that it is very likely that has changed after more than two decades. “A new survey is crucial in drawing major plans for TCM resources' management, protection and utilization,” said Prof. Huang Luqi, vice president of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Science.

Specialists to learn TCM in China
The Star Online, 8 November 2011

Specialists from hospitals and medical centres in Malaysia will soon be able to work with Chinese traditional medicine practitioners to develop methods of treating illnesses under a new cooperation agreement between both countries. Health Minister, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, said the cooperation would benefit Malaysia as some of the traditional practices adopted by the Chinese physicians could be good reference for Malaysian doctors. He said both countries had agreed to start developing more software programs such as training, research and development and clinical management for their doctors while waiting for the construction of a centre for TCM in Malaysia. The Malaysian Government had offered a 20.2ha land in Salak Tinggi, Selangor, for the project which is estimated to cost RM200mil to RM300mil. The Chinese side will provide the technical expertise to build the centre.

Pietrus seeks help of Chinese monks to ease knee pain
Sporting News, 10 November 2011

Phoenix Suns forward Mickael Pietrus has sought unconventional methods to treat his right knee injury. He traveled to the Shaolin Temple in central China's Henan Province, where he tried “several traditional Chinese medicine therapies, including acupuncture, massage and some unique remedies administered by Shaolin monks,” a Chinese site reported. Shaolin Temple, a Buddhist monastery, has had its own hospital for over 1,000 years. Shaquille O’Neal has also sought treatment there. Pietrus returned to France this week before completing all the therapy, but said he was no longer experiencing pain in his knee and that he was ready to resume practicing soon.

Rabobank says China’s changing economy good news for many American farmers
China Media News, 18 November 2011

China is fueling the success of a particular business sector by leading a strong export demand for U.S. - grown tree nuts such as almond, walnut, pistachio, pecan and hazelnut, according to a research study by Rabobank’s Food Agribusiness Research and Advisory group. This is due to an expanding worldwide health and wellness movement has found fertile ground in China, where these nuts play a key role in balanced nutrition. In addition, the growing middle-class economy has promoted the standard of living and the products demanded including food items. The middle class is becoming more in-tune with their health, originating in the Chinese culture’s long-standing affinity for tree nuts in traditional medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine provides new remedy for aplastic anemia
English.news.cn, 26 November 2011

Chinese scientists have worked out a new herbal remedy for aplastic anemia, which can significantly reduce the risk of infection and bleeding in the patients. The herbal granules can effectively relieve anemia and enhances immunity of the patients, said Dr. Zhou Yuhong, who leaded the project known as “TCM intervention in chronic aplastic anemia treatment.” The new drug has not shown any side-effects that are commonly seen in Western therapies, he said. The team need to carry out further, stricter research to prove the safety of remedy, and hopefully will be put into clinical use in three years.

Chinese medicine can double chances of conception
Zee News, 26 November 2011

Couples with fertility problems are twice as likely to conceive using traditional Chinese medicine as compared to western drugs, a new study has found. The researchers at Adelaide University, Australia, reviewed eight clinical trials, 13 other studies and case reports comparing the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with western drugs or IVF treatment. The overall analysis concluded that there was a two-fold increase in the likelihood of getting pregnant in a four-month period for women using TCM as compared with orthodox approaches. According to the study, the difference appeared to be due to the careful analysis of the menstrual cycle, the period when it is possible for a woman to conceive, by TCM practitioners. The study has been published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine injects vitality into AIDS treatment
English.news.cn, 29 November 2011

A five-year plan on AIDS control, prevention and treatment issued by China's State Council urged medical experts to further explore the combination of “Chinese and Western” therapies for AIDS. Since 2004, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has conducted a pilot program for the application of TCM to AIDS, according to Wang Jian, deputy director of the TCM Center for AIDS Prevention and Treatment. While the antiretroviral therapy focuses on the suppression of the HIV virus, TCM treatment puts emphasis on the protection of the immune system, TCM treatment can also improve quality of life by significantly alleviating AIDS symptoms with nearly no side effects, another expert said. Given the huge potential TCM treatment has shown, the central government will increase the number of participators of the pilot program to 30,000 nationwide from 2011 to 2015, doubling the quota for the past five years.

Compiled By:
Rose Tse, Integrated Chinese Medicine Holdings Ltd.