Pharmacological Overview of Chinese Traditional Medicine

Abstract

This thesis provides a pharmacological overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), focusing on its historical background, theoretical principles, major herbal medicines, and modern clinical applications. Traditional Chinese Medicine has been practiced for thousands of years and remains an important component of complementary and integrative medicine worldwide. The thesis reviews commonly used medicinal herbs and classical formulas, with particular attention to their active compounds, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic effects supported by modern pharmacological research. In addition, current scientific evidence, safety considerations, and potential adverse effects are discussed. By integrating traditional medical theory with modern biomedical knowledge, this study aims to improve understanding of how TCM can contribute to contemporary healthcare. The findings highlight both the therapeutic potential and the limitations of herbal medicine, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based evaluation in clinical practice.