LAUSR

Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have greatly boosted the prosperity of the Chinese Nation under the direction of TCM theory system, which have centuries of clinical practice. They are not only unique health and economic resources with great potential, but also the valuable sources of new drug development in China. There are approximately 12 000 kinds of traditional Chinese medicinal materials including over 1 200 varieties which are marketable . Among TCMs, the medicinal and edible substances (MESs) are very important and special categories, which can be used as both TCMs and foods (homology of medicines and foods). They have been used for a long time and are still constantly consumed by people. They are widely used and generally safe, which form huge industry. 101 species of MESs were issued by National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, such as the fruit of Lycium barbarum, the sclerotium of Poria cocos, and the fruit of Rubus chingii. The homology of medicines and foods reflected the recognition of ancient Chinese in the homology theory of treatment and healthcare of medicines and foods. The ancients believed that medicines and foods followed the same principles, including four properties and five tastes, meridian tropism, and ascending and descending . In 2015, the industrial output value of TCMs reached ¥786.7 billion, accounting for 28.55% of the pharmaceutical industry . The change of disease spectrum, the approaching of aging society, the transformation of lifestyles, and people's constant pursuit for health have created the room for the development and marketing of comprehensive TCM healthcare industry, and hence the role and status of MESs will be more