Influential Publications
Prof. Zhao’s talent for materia medica research was evident early in his career, and the global influence of his work has continued to grow over time. Initially, much of Prof. Zhao’s research was influential within the scientific community, particularly in areas such as microscopy, authentication, and quality control. Today, his work has expanded to reach a larger audience worldwide, bringing increased attention to materia medica literature, traditional Chinese culture and scholarship, and the transmission of Chinese medicine to the wider international audience.
Throughout his career, Prof. Zhao has complemented his lab-based and scholarly research with extensive field research. Early on, his research into medicinal magnolia flower buds resulted in the discovery of a new species, Magnolia pilocarpa Z.Z. Zhao et. Z.W. Xie. His talents with microscopy led to unique research opportunities in Japan early in his career, and his groundbreaking achievements in the context of microscopy have continued to dramatically impact botanical science.
For example, the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China: Color Atlas of Microscopic Identification of Chinese Medicinal Powders was the first full-color atlas focused on the special features seen in the microscopic assessment of powdered Chinese medicinal materials. His subsequent text Illustrated Microscopic Differentiation of Chinese Medicinalsuses line drawings, depictions, and digital color photographs to comprehensively elucidate special distinguishing characteristics, and describes the techniques to perform Chinese medicinal microscopy. Published by the Macao International Society of Chinese Medicine in both English and Chinese versions, it has been widely distributed worldwide. In recent years, Prof. Zhao’s work combining laser micro-dissection with microscopy and chemical analysis has yielded numerous cutting-edge scientific publications that have enhanced our understanding of the distribution of active constituents in different botanical tissues within medicinal plants.
In addition to his achievements in microscopy, Prof. Zhao has published extensively on the macroscopic identification of Chinese herbal medicines. For example, following a systematic market investigation completed in Hong Kong, the text Easily Confused Chinese Medicines in Hong Kong features rich comparative photographs and concise text, illustrating key distinguishing features of commonly confused herbs. This publication had a positive impact on the global market of Chinese medicines, raising awareness of key issues in herbal identification that have impacted practitioners for centuries.
In the context of macroscopic identification, Prof. Zhao’s influential text “Chinese Medicinal Identification: An Illustrated Approach” has made a tremendous global impact. Published worldwide in ten languages, this masterpiece illustrates the key identifying characteristics of commonly used Chinese medicines, and has had a major impact in Chinese medicine quality control worldwide. Similarly, his “Encylopedia of Medicinal Plants” represents another pinnacle achievement, moving beyond Chinese medicines to describe nearly 800 medicinal plants that are widely used on a global scale.
Chinese Medicinal Identification: An Illustrated Approach
In addition to his books, Prof. Zhao’s English-language publications in scientific journals have attracted attention and praise from botanical scientists worldwide. His journal publications such as “Authentication is Fundamental for Standardization of Chinese Medicines”, “The Formation of Daodi Medicinal Materials” and “Macroscopic Identification of Chinese Medicines: Traditional Experiences and Modern Understanding” are extensively cited by scientists worldwide and are representative works in their respective focus areas.
In recent years, Prof. Zhao’s contributions have continued to increase, and his impact has expanded beyond scientific and professional circles to include works that have been influential for a wider audience. His multimedia works have included online videos, lectures, and TV appearances, and he has advised major outlets such as the Discovery Channel and CCTV in their efforts to promote Chinese medicine culture worldwide.
Recent Publications
Prof. Zhao’s recent books such as “A Voyage of Bencao”, “Zhongzhen Discussing Materia Medica” and “Zhongzhen Discussing the Bencao Gangmu” represent a new generation of his contributions. These texts bring readers on a global journey, exploring topics within materia medica that transcend time and culture. Commonly encountered herbs and foods are discussed, and readers travel across the world as Prof. Zhao explores challenging questions through his fieldwork; tales of his herbal adventures from Central America to India, Europe, Africa and Asia inspire readers to appreciate the depth of materia medica culture worldwide, and the profound impact of Chinese medicine on human culture.
By diving deep into topics that are accessible to the public, Prof. Zhao has expanded his influence by bringing his scientific knowledge to a wider audience. Hundreds of topics that inspire interest in Chinese medicine and global medicinal plant culture are presented with Prof. Zhao’s characteristic style, featuring concise and authoritative text complemented by unique photos drawn from his decades of travel and field research. Featuring publications in Chinese along with English translations, this genre of Prof. Zhao’s work is making a global impact that will be felt by humanity for generations to come.