In a significant move for public health and the Chinese medicine industry, the Hong Kong Department of Health (DH) has published updated safety and quality standards for 14 widely used Chinese medicinal herbs. This announcement, made on December 30, coincides with the release of Volume 11 of the Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards (HKCMMS), which has been developed over two decades of research.

The DH launched the HKCMMS project in 2002 to create reference standards for Chinese Materia Medica commonly utilized in Hong Kong. These standards not only ensure the safety and quality of herbal products but also aim to modernize and internationalize the local Chinese medicine industry. As a result, the HKCMMS has gained recognition worldwide, with various authoritative institutions citing its standards in their research.

The newly released standards detail essential information about the selected herbs, including their names, sources, and identification methods. Advanced techniques such as microscopic identification, thin-layer chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography are outlined for accurate analysis. The latest volume adds 14 more herbs to the catalogue, bringing the total number of standards to an impressive 344.

Among the newly included herbs are: - Caryophylli Flos - Changii Radix - Galangae Fructus - Hippophae Fructus - Lycii Fructus - Menthae Haplocalycis Herba - Myrrha - Perillae Folium - Pogostemonis Herba - Poria - Sauropi Folium - Stellariae Radix - Storax - Ziziphi Spinosae Semen

The selection criteria for these herbs were rigorous, focusing on their common use in the local community, safety concerns, economic significance, and compliance with the Chinese Medicine Ordinance.

Collaboration played a crucial role in this project, with universities and research institutions from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Taiwan conducting the investigations. Additionally, an International Advisory Board, composed of local and international experts, provided guidance on methodologies and analytical methods employed in the research.

To assist distributors and laboratories in adapting to these standards, the DH has announced plans for briefing sessions to discuss Volume 11 and share the latest research developments.

With these new standards, Hong Kong's commitment to the safety and quality of Chinese medicinal herbs is clearer than ever. As consumers turn increasingly to herbal remedies, understanding these standards becomes essential for making informed choices about health and wellness.

For those interested, all volumes of the HKCMMS can be accessed publicly, ensuring transparency and broad awareness of safety standards in Hong Kong's growing herbal medicine market.

Stay tuned for more updates on health regulations and herbal medicine advancements!