Discussion on the Integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture and Modern Pharmacology Theory

Abstract

Addressing the therapeutic challenges of complex diseases underscores the significant value of promoting dialogue and integration among different medical theoretical systems. This paper systematically explores the potential for integrating the culture of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern pharmacology theory. The study begins by analyzing the similarities and differences in the theoretical cores of the two disciplines: TCM constructs functional models based on a holistic view and treatment according to syndrome differentiation, while modern pharmacology forms structural systems through reductionist analysis and target-specific mechanisms, revealing a complementary relationship in their philosophies and methodologies. The discussion then focuses on the mechanisms of theoretical interaction, demonstrating the potential for mutual interpretation and correspondence between the holistic concept and systems pharmacology, the theory of medicinal properties (nature, flavor, and channel tropism) and receptor interactions, as well as the theory of herbal compatibility and multi-target therapies. Finally, the paper proposes that, under an integrated approach, drug design should evolve toward a "pathogenesis-network" integrative thinking, and drug evaluation needs to establish a correlation model linking "chemical fingerprints" with "biological effect fingerprints." Through the dual drivers of cultural inheritance and scientific reconstruction, it is possible to develop a new, more inclusive theoretical framework for pharmacology.