A Chinese herbal medicine has been approved to undergo clinical trial testing by the United States' Food and Drug Administration.

Yiling Pharmaceutical, a herbal medicine manufacturer in Shenzhen, China, received the approval for its compound herbal Lianhuaqingwen capsule. This alternative medicine is purportedly being tested for its potential to treat common cold and influenza virus.

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The safety and potency of Chinese herbal medicine have long been challenged by Western practitioners. Lianhuaqingwen is a combination of adopted ancient Chinese formulas and contemporary virus and bacteria.

In 2009, the deadly influenza type A H1N1 virus broke out in many countries. In China, nine hospitals that took part in international exchanges utilized the medicine underclinical trial in treating patients affected by the epidemic.

Topping the list of anti-influenza drugs in China, the Chinese capsule has is said to have been efficiency during clinical trials on relieving common flu signs and symptoms such as fever, cough, nasal congestion and muscle soreness.

Shijiazhuang-based Yiling Pharmaceutical stated that obtaining an this FDA certificate will boost the medicine's reputation in the international market. Lianhuaqingwen capsules are widely sold in over 120,000 Chinese drug stores as well as in other countries, namely, Hungary, Canada and Indonesia.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) takes its root in ancient China. The practice basically involves treatment and prevention of illnesses through herbal medicines and different mind and body practices like tai chi and acupunture. According to NCCIH, despite the widespread use of TCM, only a small basis of its scientific grounding has been found. It is difficult for most researchers to study TCM as treatments greatly vary compared with the West. 

TagsChinese herbal medicine, alternative medicine, herbal medicine, clinical trial, Food and Drug Administration