Quality ecology on Chinese medicines (QECM)

the study of the relationship between medicinal biology and eco-environment

is a dynamic emerging discipline bringing together the quality of Chinese medicines and ecology to solve a wide range of quality of Chinese medicines and eco-environmental problems. Here

we propose the definition of QECM for the first time

describe the background and development

with focus on the research scope of QECM:quality of Chinese medicine

biological reasons of formation of quality of Chinese medicine

relationship between eco-factors and distribution

geographic origin of medicinal materials

regionalization and eco-adaptation for high quality Chinese medicine

eco-system regulation and protection effect on Chinese medicine

development and utilization of high quality Chinese medicine

basic theory and technique method. We also summarize the 6 basic theories:environmental ecology theory;variety

quality continuity theory;sustainable utilization theory;eco-type theory;stress-effect theory;gene specialization theory. Additionally

we introduce research methods of QECM

including chemical

physical

biological and ecological methods. Finally

we present the further direction of QECM:maco-meso-microscopic bidirectional multidimensional development; combination of multidiscipline and improvement of theory and technique; producing practice and worldwide promotion.