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A research team led by Dr. Li Lifeng, Research Assistant Professor, has secured a grant of nearly HK$1.9 million from the Chinese Medicine Development Fund (CMDF) to launch an innovative project entitled “Multi-dimensional and Multi-parameter Investigation of the Quality of Commercial Houzao Raw Materials and Related Products”. The project aims to conduct a comprehensive and systematic study on the quality, source and safety of Houzao (猴棗).

Houzao, a traditional Chinese medicinal material derived from goat caecum bezoar, is widely used in paediatric medicines locally and in Chinese Mainland. However, uncertainties in its origin, composition and action mechanisms have led to significant variations in product quality across the market. In response, Dr Li’s team is integrating traditional identification experience with advanced analytical methods to develop scientific standards for quality control of Houzao.

Recent research published in Phytochemical Analysis by the team revealed the major chemical composition of Houzao and proposed quality control measures for both raw material and proprietary medicinal products. The study highlighted that the notable variation in the quality of proprietary Houzao products available in Hong Kong, reflecting the need for quality control measures.

The research team is actively advancing research on Houzao, harnessing modern scientific approaches to promote the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine. The project aims to establish a scientific foundation for the quality control and development of Houzao products. As a result, it will provide effective quality control methods for the industry and facilitate the standardisation and regulation of Houzao products, thereby enhancing market transparency and industry standards. Furthermore, the project will contribute to the dissemination of scientific knowledge about Houzao and improve public understanding of related products.

The School will continue to support innovative research in the authentication and quality control of Chinese medicinal materials, ensuring the quality and safety of Chinese medicine and related products.