FWD: Synthetic TCM?

[Guest guest]

Hope for rhino, tiger as Chinese biotechnology seeks substitutes

May 14, 2001 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- World (2)

 

Molecular biotechnology will be used to discover the effective components

in mineral medicines, and to remove the heavy metal components in

traditional medicines, he said.

 

In order to protect endangered animals and plants, Tongrentang is looking

for substitutes for musk, rhinoceros horn, tiger bone and liquorice, which

have been used in traditional Chinese medicines. On the other hand, the

firm will invest heavily in setting up herb planting

centers.

 

Li said that Tongrentang is no longer a workshop with a pungent drug smell

and dust. Instead, the whole production process is operated by computer.

 

" We will establish 100 chain stores all over China within three years to

compete with international pharmaceutical companies, " said Mei Qun.

 

Ranking first among China's 50 largest traditional Chinese medicine

producers, Tongrentang currently produces over 800 varieties of medicines,

and its total sales value last year exceeded 2.5 billion yuan.

 

The export value of Tongrentang last year increased nearly one quarter

compared with the previous year. On the basis of the enlarging market in

Southeast Asia, the company will strengthen development in the markets of

Europe and the United States.

 

Tongrentang has set up joint ventures in Malaysia, Australia, Britain and

other countries and regions.

 

 

Copyright 2001 XINHUA NEWS AGENCY