Abstract:

In this paper, some of the recent developments on the utilization of medicinal plant resources in China is presented. A three-fold developing program toward the better utiltzation of Chinese medicinal plant resources has been discussed. This includes, firstly, enlarging the resources and improving the quality of the medicinal plants;seccondly, developing new preparations or other products from medicinal plants; and thirdly, searching for new drugs emerged from medicinal plants. All the processes of development mentioned above require an inter-penetrating effort of multidiciplinary research.

Key words: Medicinal plants, Chinese medicinal plants, Plant resources, Resources utilization