Essential Resources in Chinese Medicinal Authentication:

A Guide to the Pioneering Work of Prof. Zhao Zhongzhen

In the context of Chinese medicinal identification and quality control, the influential work of Professor Zhao Zhongzhen is widely appreciated by scholars and scientists worldwide. In addition to his authoritative publications on authentication and microscopy, Zhao’s research encompasses a broad range of topics related to herbal resources, quality evaluation, processing, and ancient materia medica literature. This brief article aims to serve as a concise guide to key publications that illustrate the scope of his contributions, with a particular focus on material that is accessible to readers in English.

For an overview of Prof. Zhao’s fundamental publications, click here.

Chinese Medicinal Identification Resources

Traditional knowledge surrounding the identification and quality of medicinal materials has been essential throughout history. In China, ancient materia medica texts (known as “bencao”) recorded descriptions, properties, and illustrations of medicinal plants, and prominent historical authors focused extensively on issues related to proper identification and botanical adulterants. Modern experts such as Zhao Zhongzhen serve as a link between this long history of Chinese materia medica scholarship and modern science, simultaneously preserving traditional knowledge while pioneering new innovations.