Chinese materia medica (CMM), comprising a diverse array of natural substances from plants, animals, and minerals, has been integral to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) throughout history. This... Show moreChinese materia medica (CMM), comprising a diverse array of natural substances from plants, animals, and minerals, has been integral to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) throughout history. This study investigates the dynamic evolution of CMM, noting shifts in species for improved therapeutic effects and the abandonment of those with adverse outcomes. By examining historical CMM specimens, particularly those in Dutch collections, tangible evidence of this evolution emerges.The Westhoff collection, spanning 140 years, reveals significant changes alongside enduring practices. A handwritten catalogue accompanying the collection aligns with modern CMM practices, indicating a remarkable continuity. Comparative analyses of historical collections and contemporary CMM in EU markets over three centuries emphasize the stability of core medicinal plant taxa. Additionally, the study validates the delayed luminescence (DL) technique for discerning CMM storage times, showing promising results.Despite challenges in preservation, historical CMM specimens offer unique insights into medicine's history, underscoring their importance for further research and understanding. Show less
The goal of personalized medicine is to develop a therapy using the right drug, at the right dose, at the right time, in the right patient. Developing a novel, effective strategy for... Show moreThe goal of personalized medicine is to develop a therapy using the right drug, at the right dose, at the right time, in the right patient. Developing a novel, effective strategy for diagnosing disease in individual patients can lead to a more effective personalized approach to disease management and prevention. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-based concepts, including diagnostic concepts and herbal medicine intervention, can contribute extremely valuable information regarding personalized medicine. Measuring ultra-weak photon emission (UPE) is a non-invasive method for recording the physiological state in living organisms. Delayed luminescence (DL), which is the long-term emission of photons from various materials following excitation with light, has been proposed for use in studying Chinese medicinal herbs. The studies described in this thesis were performed to develop personalized approaches to health monitoring using UPE and DL methods in combination with TCM-based concepts. The results reported in this thesis indicate both UPE and DL have high potential for studying the concepts of medicine at the systems levels, and can be used to develop future research strategies guided by TCM‒based concepts. UPE and DL will likely provide valuable new insights into personalized medicine. Show less
