**********************************************************
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 on Chinese herbs commonly used in Hong Kong.
The contract was signed by the Chairman of the International Advisory Board (IAB) on HKCMMS, Dr P Y Lam, and the President of the CMU, Professor Jong-Tsun Huang, in Taichung. The CMU has already undertaken research for four Chinese herbs since 2011, and this is the second contract between the CMU and the DH for further collaboration with respect to HKCMMS.
"It is inspiring to see that the ongoing research collaboration with CMU has been smooth, with excellent progress. During the past year, we have been able to exchange expertise and enhance mutual research capacity and effort. This has contributed greatly to the development of the HKCMMS. It is an opportune time to further our collaboration and I look forward to seeing the high calibre research team from CMU continue their great contribution on this front," Dr Lam said.
"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," he said.
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, i.e. the IAB.
Highlighted in both the 2009-10 and 2011-12 Policy Addresses of the Chief Executive, the development of the 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 results are also accessible through the DH website at www.dh.gov.hk/english/main/main_cm/main_cm_hkcmms.html.
Ends/Thursday, April 19, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:11
NNNN
