Evidence-based Medicine for Traditional Chinese Medicine: Exploring the Evidence from a Western Medicine Perspective

This article reviews the evidence of clinical efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Extracts from single herbs have been studied by the conventional path of drug discovery to become useful drugs in Western Medicine (WM), testifying to the pharmacological activity of herbs used in TCM formulations. Complex formulations prescribed in accordance to the principles of TCM have been in use for centuries. Much effort has been made in proving its efficacy by the criteria of Evidence Based Medicine (EBM). Problems peculiar to adopting such an approach for TCM is discussed, including issues inherent to TCM as well as the lack of well conducted randomised controlled trial to provide robust evidence. As a result the purported efficacy of TCM treatment for many conditions could not be validated by EBM criteria. A selection of studies and meta-analyses providing convincing evidence to the efficacy of some TCM treatment is cited in this review. Improved methodology and reporting in TCM clinical trials will be essential in establishing the role of TCM in the management of certain defined diseases and complementing current Western medical treatment.