Introduction

Abstract

Chinese medicine (CM) has been questioned for more than a century about its inadequate scientific evidence. While some past CM studies were not convincing from the views of modern sciences, especially under critical appraisal by evidence-based medicine (EBM), we hold a positive view that CM can demonstrate its effectiveness in improving healthcare through the same evidence-based, or even a more extensive evidence-led, approach. In the last decade, standardized CM research methods have been enabling researchers to acquire, analyze, and evaluate evidence scientifically. This book is a practical guide to the latest methods, including design and conduct of CM research according to applicable EBM guidelines. The authors of all chapters in this book are active CM researchers in their fields of research, including clinical studies, informatics, laboratory studies, pharmaceutical administration, pharmacy research practices, research ethics, and socio-medical studies. Many chapters also cover the best practices of research ethics and scientific reporting in their fields. We anticipate that Chinese medicine would bring the valuable knowledge to current healthcare by following these EBM research methods.