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Published in: Chinese Medicine 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Review

A concise classification of bencao (materia medica)

Authors: Zhongzhen Zhao, Ping Guo, Eric Brand

Published in: Chinese Medicine | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Books that record the sources and applications of medicinal materials are commonly known as bencao (materia medica) in China. Bencao (materia medica) literature review is the very first step in the standard authentication procedure of Chinese medicinals. As an important part of China’s cultural heritage, these various bencao (materia medica) texts represent centuries of accumulated wisdom in combating disease and preserving health. In this short review, bencao (materia medica) classics of China are broadly divided into three major categories in our routine practice: mainstream bencao (materia medica), thematic bencao (materia medica) and regional bencao (materia medica). The overall significance and current situation of exploration of bencao (materia medica) literature are summarized as well.
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Metadata
Title
A concise classification of bencao (materia medica)
Authors
Zhongzhen Zhao
Ping Guo
Eric Brand
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Chinese Medicine / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1749-8546
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-018-0176-y

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