The NICM Collaborative Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) unites leading Australian TCM and conventional medical researchers in specific areas of interest.    A unique consortium of universities, the centre will build networks, address important methodological challenges relevant to TCM research and conduct research in herbal medicine and acupuncture, with the goal of improving TCM research, practice and health outcomes.

Key activities include

• Develop a clinical trials network in TCM
• Develop a strategic approach to quality assurance of chemical definition of complex Chinese herbal medicines for bioactivity testing and clinical trials
• Develop a network of acupuncture researchers, develop a validated quality rating scale for acupuncture trials, and design and perform two multi-site pilot trials

• Explore pharmacological mechanisms of Chinese herbal medicines in metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes
• Investigate molecular mechanisms, safety and effectiveness of a three herb formula for the treatment of vascular dementia
• Evaluate the effects of selected traditional Chinese medicine herbs on cancer stem cells, immune function modulation and inflammation

NICM Grant:      $ 734,000

Leverage:          $2,707,740

Increased human capacity since start of centre

5 PhD scholarships

9 research associates and post doctoral positions

Content Updated January 2009