Significance of plant taxonomy in Chinese material medica resources: the changes of family and genus category and standardization of scientific names in <italic>Chinese Pharmacopoeia</italic>

Abstract

Medicinal plants are the main component of Chinese material medica resources. In the process of using traditional Chinese medicinal materials, plant taxonomy is of great significance in the identification, genetic relationship and evolutionary research of medicinal plants, which is helpful to the rational utilization and scientific protection of Chinese material medica resources. In light of the authoritative plant list databases, plant classification systems and the latest research results of molecular phylogeny, the changes of family and genus category of medicinal plants recorded in Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the “ Chinese Pharmacopoeia ”; Ch.P.) are systematically studied, and the scientific and Chinese names are revised in this paper. The aims are to promote further interdisciplinary research on plant taxonomy and Chinese material medica resources, to maintain the scientific and advanced nature of Chinese Pharmacopoeia , and to promote the scientific development and the enhancement of international influence of traditional Chinese medicine.