In recent years, a growing discussion has emerged within the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) industry about how to enhance its effectiveness through modern techniques. With advanced extraction technologies, the promotion and use of TCM formula granules not only help conserve herbal resources but also support the modernization of TCM decoction pieces and the improvement of quality standards. If these granules are included in the national medical insurance catalog, they could gain even more market potential.
Beijing has recently taken a significant step by including TCM formula granules in its medical insurance reimbursement system. At a Beijing-based TCM hospital, the pharmacy department reported that daily prescriptions for TCM formulas increased from around 45 to over 100 after the inclusion. This trend shows a clear rise in demand, prompting companies like Sanjiu Pharmaceutical to take action. Recently, Sanjiu acquired Anhui Jinluo Pharmaceutical to build a dedicated production base for TCM formula granules, aiming to lower production costs and meet rising demand.
According to Jiang Jianguo, head of marketing at Jiangyin Tianjiang Pharmaceutical, TCM formula granules offer greater convenience and stability compared to traditional decoctions. Thanks to scientific extraction methods, their use helps preserve herbal resources while advancing the modernization of TCM products and raising quality standards.
**Substituting Traditional Herbal Pieces**
TCM formula granules are made from high-quality decoction pieces processed using modern extraction, separation, concentration, drying, granulation, and packaging technologies. These granules serve as an alternative to traditional herbal pieces and can come in various forms such as powders, pellets, tablets, and capsules.
Zhao, head of R&D at Guangdong Yifang Pharmaceutical, noted that TCM formula granules have several advantages over traditional decoctions and patent medicines. Preparing herbal decoctions is time-consuming and depends on the patient's ability to follow specific instructions, which can lead to inconsistencies. In contrast, TCM formula granules maintain the efficacy of traditional herbs while offering flexibility for clinical adjustments, ease of use, portability, and consistent quality.
Wang Jianguo added that traditional decoction pieces can be difficult to control in terms of quality due to variations in origin, processing, and storage. In contrast, TCM formula granules are produced under standardized industrial conditions, ensuring stable quality and effective performance. Their convenience makes them ideal for emergency situations, as they eliminate the need for lengthy boiling processes.
**More Controllable Preparation Process**
Traditional decoction methods involve multiple steps, including first frying and adjusting heat levels, which can affect the final outcome. However, TCM formula granules retain all water-soluble components of the original herbs, ensuring consistency in therapeutic effects.
Research indicates that about 85% of commonly used TCM herbs maintain their chemical composition without negative changes, while 5% may develop new compounds that don’t harm efficacy, and 5% might even enhance it. Only 5% may experience reduced efficacy, meaning most herbs retain their therapeutic value when processed into granules.
Zhao explained that TCM formula granules extract key active ingredients while considering factors like water extraction, boiling time, and frequency. For heat-sensitive herbs, low-temperature extraction methods are used to preserve active components, ensuring the final product maintains both taste and efficacy.
Wang Jianguo emphasized that preparing traditional decoctions requires high skill, making it unsuitable for patients to do themselves. Hospitals should provide ready-to-use TCM granules instead of raw materials. The granule production process already accounts for critical factors like first frying, making it more efficient and reliable than self-preparation.
**Market Growth and Future Prospects**
The market for TCM formula granules has seen rapid growth. For example, Tianjiang Pharmaceutical’s sales reached hundreds of millions of yuan, with exports expanding globally. Similarly, Guangdong Yifang’s formula granules are widely used in hospitals across China and exported to Europe, the U.S., Australia, and Southeast Asia.
Zhao believes the future of TCM formula granules is promising, with strong domestic demand and significant international opportunities. He hopes that government departments will conduct pilot programs in certain provinces before nationwide implementation.
Looking ahead, the inclusion of TCM formula granules in the national medical insurance catalog would further boost their adoption. While some regions have already included them, others still face challenges. Wang Jianguo pointed out that the State Food and Drug Administration classifies these granules as raw materials, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security views them as a new dosage form with higher costs.
Despite not yet being in the national insurance catalog, TCM formula granules are widely accepted by doctors and patients. With broader coverage, they could serve even more people. Companies like Beijing Yanshan Zhengde Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd., which specializes in crusher production, are eager to contribute to the modernization of TCM by supporting the industry’s development.
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