Evidence-based research is the essential method for the modernization of traditional medicine. China and Japan have made great progress in traditional Chinese medicine and Japanese Kampo medicine after years of evidence-based research, but there are also shortcomings. This paper compares the current situation of evidence-based research in traditional medicine from the aspects of the system of clinical evidence production and evaluation, standardization of clinical research report, standardization of traditional medicine in China and Japan, evaluation of the totality of clinical evidence via systematic review, application of clinical evidence via clinical practice guideline and development of research methodology. The purpose of this paper is to seek mutually complementary fields, and to provide enlightenment for future Chinese medicine and Japanese Kampo medicine evidence-based cooperation research.
Objective To review the current status of evidence-base medicine (EBM) research on traditional medicine in Japan. Methods Serial reports of EBM special committee of Japan Society for Oriental Medicine (JSOM) were reviewed. Results EBM special committee of JSOM was established earlier and carried out systematic reviews of Kampo treatment throughout Japan. The quality of preparations was standardized and reliable. Evidence Reports of Kampo Treatment 2009 (EKAT 2009) may be a promising promotion for Kampo treatment in Japan. Conclusion For the promotion and development of evidence-based Chinese medicine in China, we need to learn from EBM research projects of JSOM. Based on the current status of EBM research in China, special efforts should be made in validity of research data and scientific analysis and reports of non-randomized trials. According to the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine, EBM research should be systematically carried out from simple to complex.
