Evidenced TCM in treating alcohol and drug abuse

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David Yue-Wei Lee

McLean Hospital, USA
Harvard Medical School, USA

: J Regen Med

Abstract

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There are two major therapeutic approaches in treating human diseases. One involves the use of sophisticated molecular approach for the development of novel medicine, which target specifically at certain disease genes, receptors, or enzymes. The other involves the use of holistic approach with herbal medicine such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The later trend has gain increasing popularity because Western medicine is seen either ineffective in certain chronic diseases, or produces adverse effects, or too costly. Interestingly, both Western medicine and herbal medicine share the common believe that human health is associated with functional balance. However, the Western medicine though provides fast relief of symptoms at the disease site, particularly under critical conditions, however, the single chemical entity usually targeting on single receptor site or a section of gene may not be sufficient to restore the functional balance of the entire body. On the other hand, herbal medicine with multi-components/ multi-targeted approach, strives to focus on the functional balance of the body in a holistic manner. Therefore, in a broader perspective, herbal medicine should have certain advantages in dealing with human diseases especially in chronic diseases. This presentation will demonstrate the scientific basis of traditional Chinese medicine in treating alcohol and drug abuse. TCM stands an excellent chance to serve as “Alternative Therapies” in treating human diseases in the 21st century.

Biography

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David Yue-Wei Lee is an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and the Director of the Bioorganic and Natural Products Laboratory at McLean Hospital, USA. He completed his PhD degree in Natural Products Chemistry from Columbia University. Dr. Lee has worked on numerous projects in drug discovery and development related to traditional Chinese medicine. He was the principal investigator on a program project grant funded by the National Institutes of Health entitled “Alternative Therapies for Alcohol and Drug Abuse.” Under this program, several isoflavone glycosides have been identified and assessed in animal models of alcoholism. Dr. Lee has published 130 papers and holds 18 U.S. and international patents.

E-mail: dlee@mclean.harvard.edu