Press Release

Extension of collaboration on setting of Chinese herb standards with China Medical University in Taiwan

19 Apr 2012

The Department of Health (DH) today (April 19) signed a contract with China Medical University (CMU) in Taiwan for sample collection and research on Chinese materia medica under the Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards (HKCMMS) Project (Phase VII). The aim of HKCMMS is to develop reference information for Chinese herbs commonly used in Hong Kong.

The contract was signed by Dr P Y Lam, Chairman of the International Advisory Board (IAB) on HKCMMS and Prof Jong-Tsun Huang, President of CMU at the CMU in Taichung. The CMU has already undertaken the research for four Chinese herbs since 2011, and this is the second contract between CMU and DH for further collaboration with respect to HKCMMS.

"It is inspiring to see the ongoing research collaboration with CMU has been smooth with excellent progress. During the past year, we are able to exchange expertise and enhance mutual research capacity and effort. This has contributed greatly to the development of HKCMMS. It is an opportune time to further our collaboration and I look forward to seeing the high calibre research team from CMU to continue their great contribution on this front," Dr. P Y LAM remarked.
"The research work to be further undertaken by CMU will cover four Chinese herbs, namely Polygoni Multiflori Caulis, Citri Exocarpium Rubrum, Ilicis Cornutae Folium and Nelumbinis Receptaculum," Dr Lam elaborated.

The HKCMMS Project was initially launched in 2002 for the development of safety and quality standards for Chinese herbs commonly used in Hong Kong. The principles and parameters for research and laboratory analysis are laid down by a panel of internationally renowned experts, ie. IAB.

Highlighted in both the 2009-10 and 2011-12 Policy Addresses of the Chief Executive, the development of HKCMMS will be expedited to cover about 200 Chinese materia medica by the year 2012.

As of today, the reference standards for 98 Chinese materia medica have already been established, with four volumes of HKCMMS published.

The Chairman of the International Advisory Board on the Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards (HKCMMS), Dr P Y Lam (second right), and the President of Taiwan's China Medical University (CMU), Professor Jong-Tsun Huang (second left), at today's (April 19) signing ceremony in Taichung for a contract on sample collection and research work for the HKCMMS Project. The ceremony was witnessed by the Dean of College of Pharmacy of CMU, Professor Tian-shung Wu (first left), and the Assistant Director (Traditional Chinese Medicine) of the Department of Health, Dr Ronald Lam (first right).