Molecular pharmacognosy represents a cutting-edge interdisciplinary field that bridges Chinese materia medica with modern molecular biology techniques. This innovative discipline has emerged as a crucial component in the scientific investigation and modernisation of Chinese Medicine. It encompasses the study of Chinese Medicinals and their bioactive compounds at the molecular level, enabling the accurate genetic identification of Chinese Medicinals and supporting the study of biosynthetic pathways of active compounds.

Building on these advancements, the Chinese government recognised the need to apply these cutting-edge techniques on a national scale to address the growing demands and challenges in the field of Chinese Medicine. This vision culminated in the Fourth National Survey of Chinese materia medica (CMM) Resources (2011–2020),^[1] a decade-long initiative designed to ensure the sustainable utilisation of Chinese Medicinal resources. The initiative involved 50,000 participants across 34 provinces, identifying 13,000 species, including 79 new ones with medicinal potential, and establishing a national network of monitoring stations and germplasm databases.

By establishing a comprehensive database and monitoring system, the survey enhances the identification and authentication of CMM resources, reducing the risk of adulteration and ensuring the quality and safety of Chinese Medicine products. This is achieved through advanced technologies like remote sensing, geographic information systems, and molecular pharmacognosy, which provide precise data on the distribution, quality, and genetic makeup of medicinal plants. The initiative also focuses on standardising production processes by collecting first-hand data on key parameters such as yield, quality, and market trends. This data enables the development of standardised cultivation and harvesting practices, ensuring consistent quality across Chinese Medicine products.

Furthermore, the survey emphasises the sustainability of medicinal resources by promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilisation. Through large-scale planting initiatives and the development of long-term monitoring systems, the survey ensures the availability of CMM resources for future generations. Additionally, the survey supports the establishment of CMM bases and germplasm resource databases, which promote the sustainable cultivation of high-quality medicinal plants and protect rare or endangered species.

Recent advances in molecular biology have further enhanced our understanding of medicinal plants. In a groundbreaking study,^[2] an international team conducted a comprehensive reconstruction of the angiosperm (flowering plants) tree of life, analysing a standardised set of 353 nuclear genes across nearly 8,000 genera. The findings reveal critical insights into angiosperm evolution, including high gene tree conflict and explosive diversification during their early history, which gave rise to over 80% of extant angiosperm orders. The study also identifies a steady diversification pattern through the Mesozoic Era, followed by a resurgence in diversification rates during the Cenozoic Era.

This research holds significant implications for Chinese Medicine, as angiosperms are the botanical origins of most Chinese Medicinals. By reconstructing their evolutionary relationships, the study provides a deeper understanding of the genetic and evolutionary history of medicinal plants. This knowledge not only helps identify closely related species with similar bioactive compounds but also opens new avenues for drug discovery and the development of Chinese Medicine-based therapies. It effectively bridges traditional knowledge with modern scientific advancements to enhance the innovation of Chinese Medicinal research.

[1] “Chinese Government in Push for Sustainable Traditional Medicine Resources.” Nature.com, Nature, 2020, www.nature.com/articles/d42473-020-00001-6.

[2] Zuntini, Alexandre R., et al. “Phylogenomics and the Rise of the Angiosperms.” Nature, vol. 629, Apr. 2024, pp. 1–8, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07324-0.