Correction to: Paradigm shift in Traditional Mongolian medicine in the 18th century Vol. 63 No 02 (246) 2023 in Proceedings of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, 63(02), 19–24.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and traditional Mongolian medicine (TMM) systems treat hypertension in community health institutions within China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. This paper aims to investigate the use and influence of TCM and TMM among hypertensive older Chinese adults receiving treatment at these community health institutions. A cross-sectional survey method was used in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. A total of 1,499 completed questionnaires were collected from eight community health service centers in four municipal districts of Hohhot between May and June 2022. In all, 662 (44.2%) respondents had used community hypertension treatment services in the last year. Of the 662 respondents, 213 (32.2%) used TCM hypertension treatment services, and 64 (9.7%) used TMM treatment services less frequently and at a lower cost. Chinese herbal medicine (63.5%) and Mongolian herbal medicine (74%) were used more than other treatments. Cognition, attitude, and service provision were the main factors that affected service utilization. Ethnicity also had an impact on TMM’s service utilization. Older Chinese adults with hypertension did not fully utilize the TCM and TMM services provided. Further promotion and expansion of traditional medicine are needed from relevant government and health institutions.

BackgroundThe Greater Khingan Mountains (GKM), located in the eastern Mongolian Plateau, are a multi-ethnic region predominantly inhabited by Mongolians, with the Han ethnic group forming the majority. The GKM serve as a vital plant germplasm resource and natural medicinal herb base in northern China. Through interactions with nature, Mongolians have developed distinctive traditional medicine cultures by discovering and utilizing wild plants for their healthcare, supported by oral traditions and practical knowledge accumulated over generations. This study comprehensively investigated the wild plants used in Traditional Mongolian Medicine (TMM) of the GKM, aiming primarily to: (1) promote the sustainable development and utilization of these plant resources by conducting an integrated assessment, and propose specific conservation strategies; (2) evaluate the commonalities and differences between TMM and local Mongolian Folk Medicine (MFM) applications, advance the protection and inheritance of traditional medicinal knowledge.MethodsFrom 2021 to 2023, multiple field investigations were conducted in the GKM to collect voucher specimens, which were integrated with the collation of previously collected specimens, taxonomic identifications, and also records of relevant literature, and the wild vascular plant species in this region were determined. On this basis, the inventory of the wild plants used in TMM of the GKM was established according to records in the Chinese Materia Medica: Mongolian Medicine Volume. By collating survey data from ethnobotanical studies in this region, the species and their utilization knowledge used by local Mongolians were obtained. The relevant information of the medicinal herbs that are industrially utilized by Mongolian Medicine pharmaceutical enterprises was obtained from their official websites. An Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model was applied to quantitatively assess the development and utilization value of these resources.ResultsA total of 163 wild plant species used in TMM belonging to 118 genera and 55 families, dominated by Asteraceae, were identified in the GKM. Among them, herbaceous plants (87.73%) are predominant based on life forms, and mesophytes (77.30%) constitute the majority based on water ecotypes. In terms of distribution area, the southern regions hosted the highest species diversity (161 species), while there are no significant differences between the northern (138), eastern (135), and western (131) regions. A total of 133 Mongolian Medicine names correspond to 163 scientific species names, with 27 borrowed names derived from Tibetan, Chinese, and Sanskrit. Whole plants (77 species) and roots and rhizomes (43) are the primary medicinal parts that are harvested mainly in autumn. Among the total wild plant species used in TMM, 92 (56.44%) are used by local Mongolian folk, 69 (42.33%) are used industrially, while 50 (30.67%) have been documented in the literature but lack practical application. Among the 92 species used by local Mongolian folk, the medicinal parts of 31 species are identical to those in TMM, and 36 species partially similar to those in TMM, and the 25 species are different from those in TMM. The medicinal parts and effects of 8 species are different from the records in TMM. This area has a clear focus on the cultivation of wild medicinal plants, concentrating on the ecological cultivation of geo-authentic herbs. Based on the integrated assessment values, the species were categorized into four grades: highest value (36 species), high value (28), general value (69), and low value (30).ConclusionThe wild plants used in TMM of the GKM stand out for their rich plant diversity, widespread distribution area, exceptional medicinal value, and unique geo-authenticity. Mongolian Medicine names reveal multicultural integrations of the TMM. The comparison between TMM and local MFM not only confirms that traditional knowledge of MFM and TMM belongs to the same medical system, but also reveals valuable indigenous knowledge that unrecorded in the TMM. Locally and industrially used wild plants used in TMM demonstrate high utilization rates, reflecting their high medicinal value. Special attention should be given to underutilized species, particularly those documented in the literature but lacking practical application, to advance their large-scale utilization while ensuring effective conservation. Conservation strategies require the integration of strengthened legal regulations, public education and science popularization, nature reserve management, species-specific conservation initiatives, large-scale cultivation, and rational harvesting practices to achieve effective conservation and sustainable utilization of these invaluable resources.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13002-025-00802-3.

Background In Inner Mongolia of China, traditional Mongolian medicine (TMM), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and western medicine (WM) are all supported by the government. This study compares the background and performance of these three types of medicines. Methods The World Health Organization's Six Building Blocks framework was used for the system review. Data were collected from literature review and key informant interviews. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in three types of hospitals at the provincial, municipal (city), and prefectural (county) levels from April to August, 2016. Eight hospitals were included and, within each one, patients from four outpatient departments were selected. A total of 1,322 patients were interviewed about their expectations and perceptions of the health service. Results Government support for TMM includes higher budget allocation and a higher reimbursement rate. TMM is preferred by Mongolian people, those living in pasturing areas, and those seeking treatment for musculoskeletal problems/injuries. Patients attending TMM hospitals had the highest expectations and perceptions of the health service in general. However, human resources and research capacity of TMM are relatively limited. Conclusion To further enhance the role of the popular TMM for local minority's health, human resources and research capacity strengthening are essential.

Psychosomatic interaction therapy in Mongolian medicine, developed by Dr. Nagunbilig in China in the early 1990s, is a form. of Chinese-style. psychosomatic psychotherapy. Rooted in the classical theory of mind-body interaction in traditional Mongolian medicine, it integrates modern psychology, narrative medicine, humanistic medicine and energy medicine. The therapy is characterized by a holistic approach that emphasizes the harmony of body, mind, and spirit, reflecting the health preservation principles of oriental traditional medicine. This therapy has received widespread acclaim, particularly in the treatment of psoriasis, depression and anxiety disorders, insomnia, various chronic diseases in the elderly, and the alleviation of negative emotions following cancer chemotherapy, and the corresponding research project was awarded the Second Prize of the Science and Technology Progress Award of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 2022. The therapy is currently being implemented throughout Inner Mongolia, and is gradually being promoted to other provinces, municipalities and autonomous region in China, as well as overseas. According to statistics, the combined number of online and offline participants has exceeded 18 million per year. Based on an overview of the concept of energy medicine as found in oriental traditional medicine, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, Tibetan medicine and Mongolian medicine, this study uses observational and literature-based methods to interpret the clinical application of this therapy through the theory of the three vital bio-energies, Khii, Shar and Badgan in Mongolian medicine, also known as the three constitutional elements or three roots. The study further identifies correlations between the physiological and pathological responses observed after therapy and the conceptual features of the three vital bioenergies. The study proposes that the theory of Khii, Shar and Badgan constitutes a classical framework for interpreting the underlying mechanisms of the psychosomatic interaction therapy in Mongolian medicine.

As Thomas Kuhn stated in his book "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions", revolution is an example of advanced science made by a successful paradigm shift from one to another. At that time, Kuhn's idea was a revolution in itself, becoming the primary method for scientific change. It became a basis for science paradigm policy shift and since, has been a model for gradual reform. Identifying and incorporating this model into the countries' scientific policy and reform is extremely important. The applicability of the used model can be judged by the outcomes resulting in the paradigm shift. By the way, not every scientific progress results in revolution. However, we would like to note that a laggard period with weak mental development is ended by an intellectual outburst. In other words, although in the 17th century, Mongols accepted Tibetan medicine within the framework of the "Four Medical Tantras" with recognition and common scientific mind, later in the 18th century, they thought beyond the box of the "Four Medical Tantras" and created the opportunity to develop a new paradigm. This shift made a valuable contribution to the establishment of, in a broader sense, Mongolian medicine and, in a narrow sense, traditional Mongolian medicine.

BackgroundEthnobotanical studies on folk medicinal plants used by Mongol herdsmen have been conducted in some areas of Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang, China. However, ethnobotanical findings are preliminary and not comprehensive. Mongolian medicinal botanical knowledge has been gradually decreasing. One of the most important reasons is that Mongolian traditional medicine has become an alternative medicine in pasturing areas of China. Collection and analysis of Mongolian folk medicinal botanical knowledge have become extremely important.MethodsFrom 2008 to 2014, the authors have been to Bairin Right Banner seven times, and from 2016 to 2018, have been to Bairin Left Banner five times. Fieldwork was carried out in 18 villages, and 136 local Mongol herdsmen were interviewed. The methods of free-listing and open-ended questionnaires were used in field survey. Ethnobotanical interview and voucher specimen collections were organized in two ways: local plant specimens were collected beforehand and then interviews were organized; local Mongol herdsmen were invited to the field and were interviewed while collecting voucher specimens. Mongolian was used as the working language, and findings were recorded in Mongolian. Scientific names of plants were confirmed through collection and identification of voucher specimens.ResultsAmong the collected medicinal wild plants, 40 species are used by local Mongol herdsmen. Twenty-six species of folk medicinal plants have been recorded in the literature in the field of Traditional Mongolian Medicine (TMM), and 38 species have been recorded in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The parts that have medicinal value include roots, whole plant, aerial parts, leaves, fruit, seeds, branches, bulb skin, and stem. For medicinal efficacy, among the collected medicinal plants, 8 species should be fresh. Thirteen species must be dried, and another 16 species can be fresh or dried. After a simple process of sorting and washing, local people soak, pulverize, and mash the medicinal plants. Nineteen species were externally used medicine, and 17 species were internally used medicine (taken orally). Generally, only one or two functions of folk medicine and indications associated with it were provided by local Mongol herdsmen. However, the functions of TMM and TCM and their indications show diversity and have systematic characteristics. More functions of TMM and TCM and their indications have been recorded. In the paper, we also discuss the correspondence between one or two functions of folk medicine with one or two functions of TMM and TCM.ConclusionNot many medicinal wild plant species are used by Mongol herdsmen in the Bairin Area. Fourteen species have not been recorded in the literature of TMM, and 2 species have not been recorded in the literature of TCM. Folk knowledge can provide a certain reference value for searching for new medicinal wild plant species. On the whole, fresh plants are commonly used by Mongol herdsmen in the Bairin Area; boiling is the most common preparation method. Most of the crude materials can be used alone. The externally used medicinal parts are more common than those taken orally. A folk medicinal bath may be regarded as a compound drug mixed with two to five species of plant materials. The local Mongol herdsmen fully understand the function of folk medicines and their indications.

Ideas, properties, and standards of fracture repositioning with osteopathy in traditional Mongolian medicine in China

Screening for effective antiviral compounds from traditional Mongolian medicine not only aids in the research of antiviral mechanisms of traditional medicines, but is also of significant importance for the development of new antiviral drugs targeting influenza A virus. Our study aimed to establish high-throughput, rapid screening methods for antiviral compounds against influenza A virus from abundant resources of Mongolian medicine. The use of GFP-based reporter viruses plays a pivotal role in antiviral drugs screening by enabling rapid and precise identification of compounds that inhibit viral replication. Herein, a GFP-based reporter influenza A virus was used to identify potent anti-influenza compounds within traditional Mongolian medicine. Our study led to the discovery of three active compounds: Cardamonin, Curcumin, and Kaempferide, all of which exhibited significant antiviral properties in vitro. Subsequent analysis confirmed that their effectiveness was largely due to the stimulation of the antiviral signaling pathways of host cells, rather than direct interference with the viral components, such as the viral polymerase. This study showcased the use of GFP-based reporter viruses in high-throughput screening to unearth antiviral agents from traditional Mongolian medicine, which contains rich antiviral compounds and deserves further exploration. Despite certain limitations, fluorescent reporter viruses present substantial potential for antiviral drug screening research due to their high throughput and efficiency.

Wuwei Qingzuo San (WWQZS), as a renowned traditional Mongolian patent medicine approved by Chinese State Food and Drug Administration, is used to treat hyperlipidemia, indigestion, and other ailments related to disorder of production of essence and phlegm, a typical abnormal metabolism of blood in traditional Mongolian medicine. A combination of network pharmacology and validation experiments in hyperlipidemia hamster is used to understand the potential mechanism of WWQZS for hypolipidemic effects, further for an integrated concept of traditional theory, bioactive constituents, and molecular mechanism for TMM. Through network pharmacology, we obtained 212 components, 219 predicted targets, and 349 known hyperlipidemia-related targets form public database and used Metascape to carry out enrichment analysis of 43 potential and 45 candidate targets to imply numerous BP concerned with metabolism of lipid, regulation of kinases and MF related to lipid binding, phosphatase binding, and receptor ligand activity that are involved in anti-hyperlipidemia. In addition, KEGG pathways that explicated hypolipidemic effect were involved in pathways including metabolism associated with kinase function according to MAPK signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Meanwhile, in HFD-induced hamster model, WWQZS could significantly reduce TC and ALT and help decrease TG, LDL-C as well; liver pathological section implied that WWQZS could relieve liver damage and lipid accumulation. Western blot indicated that WWQZS may upregulate CYP7A1 and activate AMPK to suppress the expression of HMGCR in livers. In conclusion, our results suggest that WWQSZS plays important dual hypolipidemic and liver-protective role in livers in HFD-induced hamster model. Through this research, a new reference is also provided to other researches in the study of ethnopharmacology.

Biological macro-idea and criterion of osteopathic fracture immobilization in China's traditional mongolian medicine

Objective In this study, the current state of research on traditional Mongolian medicine (TMM) through a bibliometric analysis of research documents located in the Web of Science (WoS) database was assessed. Methods The WoS database was searched on September 2021 with the keywords “traditional Mongolian medicine.” Publications on TMM scientific research were included in this study, without any language limitations. Bibliometric data from such publications were retrieved from the WoS database. Full records with cited reference lists were descriptively analyzed. To assess trends in TMM research topics, authors' keywords were analyzed. A thematic evolution map based on coword analysis was suggested. To analyze research networks among co-authors, affiliations, or countries of the authors, collaboration networks were evaluated. The Bibliometrix R package (3.1) was used for the analysis. Results A total of 234 scientific publications were included in the analysis. The top three countries of origin of the corresponding authors were China (n = 153), Japan (n = 28), and South Korea (n = 9). The top three relevant affiliations of the authors in the included publications were “Inner Mongolia Medical University,” “Inner Mongolia University of Nationalities,” and “National University of Mongolia.” “Flavonoids,” “cytotoxicity,” “NMR,” and “Tibetan medicine” were the most frequently used keywords in the included documents. Most publications focused on the chemical analysis and mechanism of effects of Mongolian herbal medications. There were few publications on nonpharmacological interventions such as bloodletting or TMM diagnostics, which should be promoted in future publications. Conclusion There were only a limited number of publications on TMM identified through a search of the WoS database, using the keywords “Traditional Mongolian medicine.” More improved strategy for searching for TMM publications must be established. Research publications on TMM, especially regarding nonpharmacological interventions, need to be promoted. In addition, collaboration with researchers worldwide needs to be encouraged in the future.

The objective was to study the present scenario, challenges, and future anticipation of traditional Mongolian medicine (TMM) in China. The literature was retrieved using various sources of information such as meetings with TMM experts, research and review articles, national health databases, and government websites and authoritative papers. Health care using TMM, TMM education and research, and the pharmaceutical industry of TMM has been improved by implementing TMM growth policies. TMM has been extensively used for health care in Mongolia and in various regions of China including Beijing. The national education system of China contains a stream of TMM education. There is a yearly increase in research productivity in the field of TMM due to extensive research funding by the government. The rapidly growing pharmaceutical industry of TMM has provided more availability of TMM to more patients. The literature search revealed good preservation and development of TMM in China, urging the need to take steps for the promotion of its spread and development in China and worldwide.

Traditional Mongolian medicine (TMM) is the unique medicine of Mongolia nationality. It is meaningful to research, protect and develop TMM. In TMM, there are different causes for a disease. A doctor of TMM must not only diagnose what disease that a patient has but also what syndrome of the disease. Differentiation of syndromes (DS) in TMM is to distinguish diseases and their syndromes. DS is the key and difficult point of medical diagnosis and treatment. Doctors mainly do it according their experiences. So, it is necessary and useful to establish aided diagnosis models of DS for TMM. This study aims to establish a Support Vector Regression (SVR) model of DS. Firstly, we deduced the SVR. Then, we used medical cases to train the SVR model. Finally, we did experiments of validation. The experiments shown its correct rate was 76.6%.

3 kinds of prescription of Traditional Mongolian (Chinese) Medicine (TMM) have been used in treating diabetic nephropathy (DN). We aimed to investigate: first, which prescription was more effective; second, whether it was more effective when combined with the 3 prescriptions. The DN model was prepared by a single dose of Streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg, i.p.) in rats and treated 3 times every day with P-1 (Sugmul-10), P-2 (Narenmandul-11), P-3 (Xieriga-4) respectively, and combined group was treated with P-1 in the morning, P-2 and P-3 in the evening. The results showed combining with 3 prescriptions in one day was much more effective than each single prescription. The mechanism of renal protection maybe related to MMP-2 and TGF-β1, the conclusion could be useful and beneficial for clinical medicine.

Based on the results of recent scientific research, Mongolian traditional medicine is one of the ancient medical practices with a history spanning 5,000 years. An invaluable contribution to the development of formulations in Mongolian traditional medicine is the work by Choijamts, titled “The Heart Essence of the Elixir Compiled from Various Essential Texts of Medicine: Ngo mtshar dga ston gter mdzod”. This work became widely renowned for its detailed explanation of the laws governing human health, the causes of illness, and the methods of healing, as well as for its exceptional collection of medicinal recipes. With the increasing need to systematically study traditional and modernized uses of medicines derived from plants, animals, and minerals, it is essential to elevate research to a new level. By studying traditional technologies and identifying proven medicinal compounds from ancient and rare texts, this research focuses on exploring the formula of Srog dzin-5 found in Choijamts’s work. This approach was chosen to contribute to the scientific understanding and application of traditional medicine. The Buddhist Lama Choijamts lived between 1860 and 1928. His work, “The Heart Essence of the Elixir Compiled from Various Essential Texts of Medicine: Ngo mtshar dga ston gter mdzod” commonly referred to as “Ngo mtshar dga ston gter mdzod” was initiated in 1921 and meticulously revised and completed in 1922. This monumental text comprises 129 chapters. The 58th chapter specifically addresses remedies for heart diseases, prescribing the “Ami Barigch-5” formula mixed with molasses. It describes the medicine as effective for treating heart conditions, insanity, seizures, emotional distress, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. The composition and potency of this powdered medicine were examined in comparison to other formulations and raw materials described in historical texts and primary sources. Research further indicates that the Ami Barigch-5 powder medicine, with its carefully curated ingredients and therapeutic properties, has been validated through pharmacological and clinical trials, confirming its efficacy as a traditional medicinal recipe.