China has begun a large scale research project on using traditional Chinese medicines to treat AIDS.

According to officials with the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the project is being organized by the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and more than 30 experts from 14 institutions are participating.

The research focuses on four traditional medicine recipes, all four of which have been used before, both in China and abroad.

"More then 10,000 patients were treated with traditional Chinese medicines in Tanzania, and the effect is good. The medicines are effective in more than 40% of cases," said Lv Weibo, an AIDS expert from the project.

Now the project team has finished initial research on the four recipes, and the next step will focus on setting standards to judge the effectiveness of traditional medicines in AIDS treatment.

"I believe the project will bring about a clear, objective and comprehensive system to assess the effectiveness of traditional medicines in treating AIDS," said Wang Jian, who is from China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

(CRI December 2, 2004)