Traditional Chinese Medicine Concepts Research Articles

Acupuncture and tuina knowledge graph with prompt learning.

Acupuncture and tuina, acknowledged as ancient and highly efficacious therapeutic modalities within the domain of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), have provided pragmatic treatment pathways for numerous patients. To address the problems of ambiguity in the concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture and tuina treatment protocols, the lack of accurate quantitative assessment of treatment protocols, and the diversity of TCM systems, we have established a map-filling technique for modern literature to achieve personalized medical recommendations. (1) Extensive acupuncture and tuina data were collected, analyzed, and processed to establish a concise TCM domain knowledge base. (2)A template-free Chinese text NER joint training method (TemplateFC) was proposed, which enhances the EntLM model with BiLSTM and CRF layers. Appropriate rules were set for ERE. (3) A comprehensive knowledge graph comprising 10,346 entities and 40,919 relationships was constructed based on modern literature. A robust TCM KG with a wide range of entities and relationships was created. The template-free joint training approach significantly improved NER accuracy, especially in Chinese text, addressing issues related to entity identification and tokenization differences. The KG provided valuable insights into acupuncture and tuina, facilitating efficient information retrieval and personalized treatment recommendations. The integration of KGs in TCM research is essential for advancing diagnostics and interventions. Challenges in NER and ERE were effectively tackled using hybrid approaches and innovative techniques. The comprehensive TCM KG our built contributes to bridging the gap in TCM knowledge and serves as a valuable resource for specialists and non-specialists alike.

Common mechanisms of Wumei pills in treating ulcerative colitis and type 2 diabetes: Exploring an integrative approach through network pharmacology.

Wumei pills (WMP), a classical Chinese herbal formula, have shown efficacy in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, the underlying mechanisms by which WMP simultaneously targets these distinct diseases remain unclear. In this study, a network pharmacology approach was employed to unravel the potential molecular mechanisms of WMP in UC and T2DM treatment. This analysis provides a bioinformatics foundation for the traditional Chinese medicine concept of "treating different diseases with the same treatment." WMP was found to contain 65 active components, including flavonoids, sterols, and alkaloids, that act on 228 shared targets for UC and T2DM. Network analysis identified 5 core compounds (Quercetin, Kaempferol, beta-Sitosterol, Isocorypalmine, Stigmasterol) and 8 core proteins (AKT1, ESR1, TP53, IL6, JUN, MYC, TNF, EGFR) that play pivotal roles in the treatment of UC and T2DM by WMP. WMP exerts its therapeutic effects by modulating signaling pathways, including the NF-κB pathway, PI3K-Akt pathway, and p53 pathway. Molecular docking results indicate a strong binding affinity between core compounds and core genes. This study bridges the understanding of 2 diseases using network pharmacology and provides insights into shared therapeutic mechanisms, opening doors for further research in modern Chinese herbal formulations.

Safety and effects of a home-based Tai Chi exercise rehabilitation program in patients with chronic heart failure: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionChronic heart failure (CHF), as the final stage of the progression of many cardiovascular disorders, is one of the main causes of hospitalization and death in the elderly and has a substantial impact on patients' quality of life (QOL). Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been shown to considerably enhance QOL and prognosis. Given the barriers to center-based CR faced by most developing countries in the form of expensive instruments, the development of home-based CR is necessary. Tai Chi, as an instrument-free exercise, has been shown to be successful in treating elderly CHF individuals. Fu Yang, as one of the academic concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), believes that the fundamental pathogenesis of CHF is the gradual decline of Yang, and emphasizes the restoration of Yang physiological function in the treatment process. Therefore, we develope a home-based Tai Chi exercise rehabilitation program called Fu Yang Tai Chi (FYTC) for elderly CHF patients by combining the Fu Yang Theory of TCM with the CR theory. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness, acceptability, and safety of the program.Methods and analysisWe suggest conducting a parallel randomized controlled clinical trial with open label. Eighty CHF elderly participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the FYTC rehabilitation program group or the moderate-intensity aerobic walking control group. Eligible participants will engage in either three sessions weekly of FYTC or walking exercise for 12 weeks. The primary outcome is the relative change in 6 min walk distance (6MWD). The secondary outcomes are the plasma levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), QOL, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and depression scale (SDS), exercise skills, and noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring. Throughout the trial, adverse events will be recorded for safety evaluation. Researchers who are blinded to the treatment allocation will analyze the data.Ethics and disseminationThis research was authorized by the Guang'anmen Hospital Ethics Committee of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2022-141-KY). Our findings will be shared online and in academic conferences as well as in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration numberChiCTR2200063511.

Syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency is a primary TCM syndrome of response to entecavir + FuZheng HuaYu in patients with HBV-related liver fibrosis

ObjectiveAlthough clinical studies have found that Chinese patent medicine FuZheng HuaYu tablet/capsule can promote the reversal of HBV-related liver fibrosis, not all sufferers have histopathological responses. This study aims to explore the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes and response to entecavir + FuZheng HuaYu (ETV + FZHY) in patients with HBV-related liver fibrosis. MethodsThis a multi-center cross-sectional study. According to the different treatment strategies that sufferers have ever received, a total of 437 cases were included and divided into ETV + FZHY group and ETV + placebo group. And based on the relevant efficacy determination criteria, the two groups were subdivided into efficacy responders and non-responders. Then, TCM clinical questionnaire information of these patients were collected for subsequent analysis to acquire relevant syndrome elements and TCM syndromes. ResultsNo matter what group was, the first three frequency of TCM pathological position in efficacy responders were as follows: Liver > Spleen > Stomach (TCM concepts). As for the ETV + FZHY group, the first three frequency of pathological nature was ranked as Qi deficiency > Dampness > Heat. Compared with the non-responders, the frequency of Spleen, Stomach, Qi deficiency, Heat, and Qi movement stagnation was significantly increased in the efficacy responders (P < 0.05). In terms of TCM syndromes, the frequency increase of Syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency (LDSD), in the efficacy responders, changed more obviously than the non-responders (Chi2 = 6.32, P = 0.0006). ConclusionsTCM syndrome elements of Spleen, Stomach, Qi deficiency, Heat, and Qi movement stagnation were closely associated with efficacy responders with HBV-related liver fibrosis in the ETV + FZHY group. Moreover, LDSD was a primary TCM syndrome in these responders.

Application of Biophysical Properties of Meridians in the Visualization of Pericardium Meridian.

The biophysical properties of the meridian system, an important concept of traditional Chinese medicine, include low impedance, resounding voice, and high acoustic conductance, all of which are helpful for elucidating the essence of meridians. To visualize the human pericardium meridian (PC) based on the resounding voice property of meridians. Visualization of the PC was performed by injection of fluorescein sodium at the PC6 acupoint (Neiguan) on the PC. Before injection, percussion active points (PAPs) were identified by the virtue of their resounding voice properties. After injection, the trajectories of fluorescein migration throughout the body surface were recorded and analyzed. The distribution of fluorescein in the tissue was further studied using cross-sections of hind limbs of mini-pigs, in which fluorescein was injected into low impedance points. The identified PAP lines were colocalized with PC. Following intradermal fluorescein injection, 1-3 fluorescent lines, which were unrelated to the arm veins, were observed in 7 of 10 participants; 85.4% of fluorescent signals were coincident with PAPs and their intensity had a negative correlation with the body mass index (r = -0.56, p = 0.045). Cross-sections showed a Y-shaped fluorescence pattern where the two migration lines on the surface were the two vertices of the "Y." The trajectories of fluorescein in the body are suggestive of the anatomical structure of meridians. The PC is related to the deep horizontal interstitial channels that connect to the body surface through vertical interstitial spaces. These biophysical properties and techniques for meridian visualization are valuable for revealing the anatomical structure of meridians.

WHO International Standard Terminologies on Traditional Chinese Medicine: Use in Context, Creatively

WHO International Standard Terminologies on Traditional Chinese Medicine: Use in Context, Creatively

Analysis of the mechanism of propagated sensation along meridians based on gene expression profiles.

Propagated sensation along meridians (PSM) is an important basis for the formation of the meridian theory, but its mechanism is still unclear. The study explored the mechanism of PSM from the perspective of gene expression. PSM induced by moxibustion was determined and classified according to the Modern Study of Meridians of Chinese Medicine. Seven subjects with obvious PSM (obvious PSM group) and five subjects with unobvious PSM (unobvious PSM group) were selected from 33 healthy volunteers according to the scores in their infrared radiant track along meridians (IRRTM) and the degree of subjective transduction. Agilent Human 4×44K Gene Expression Microarrays V2 were used to detect the whole genome expression profile of subjects in the two groups. KEGG and GO were applied to analyze differentially expressed genes. Compared with the unobvious PSM group, 120 genes were differentially expressed in the obvious PSM group, including 76 up-regulated and 44 down-regulated genes. The differentially expressed genes were enriched in dopaminergic synapse, 5-hydroxychrominable synapse, glutamatergic synapse, calcium release channel, gap junction, and adherens junction pathways. The study provides a comprehensive set of gene expression data of subjects with obvious PSM, which indicates that the molecular basis of PSM may be closely related to neurotransmitters, calcium ions and cell junction pathways. This study combines the holistic concept of traditional Chinese medicine with modern molecular biology technology to explore the molecular mechanism of PSM from the perspective of genomics, which may shed new insights into the molecular mechanism of PSM.

A biophoton method for identifying the quality states of fresh Chinese herbs.

Introduction: The quality of Chinese herbs is the basis for ensuring their safety and efficacy. However, the quality evaluation system is imperfect. In particular, there is a lack of quality evaluation methods for fresh Chinese herbs during growth. The biophoton is a common phenomenon and provides complete information about the interior of the living system, which is consistent with the holistic concept of traditional Chinese medicine. Therefore, we aim to correlate the biophoton characteristics with the quality states to find the biophoton parameters that can characterize the quality states of fresh Chinese herbs. Methods: The biophoton characteristics of motherwort and safflower were measured and characterized by the counts per second (CPS) in the steady state and the initial intensity (I0) and coherent time (T) of delayed luminescence. The active ingredient content was measured by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The pigment content of motherwort leaves was measured by UV spectrophotometry. The t-test and correlation analysis were performed on the experimental results. Results: The CPS and I0 of motherwort and I0 of safflower showed a significant downward trend during the growth process, and their active ingredient content showed a trend that increased and then decreased. The CPS, I0, and the content of active ingredients and pigments in a healthy state were significantly higher than those in a poor state, while T showed the opposite results. The CPS and I0 were all significantly and positively correlated with the content of active ingredients and pigments, while the T of motherwort showed the opposite results. Conclusion: It is feasible to identify the quality states of fresh Chinese herbs by using their biophoton characteristics. Both CPS and I0 have better correlations with the quality states and can be considered characteristic parameters of the quality of fresh Chinese herbs.

Research on Risk Factors Affecting Sepsis Outcomes

Sepsis is one of the diseases with a highest mortality rates in the world. The Sepsis 3.0 consensus places more emphasis on host response to infection, and the concept of "heterogeneity" has been introduced in recent years in understanding sepsis. Therefore, more and more scholars began to pay more attention to the patients themselves, trying to find risk factors for adverse sepsis outcomes, so as to optimize clinical treatment plans and improve patient outcomes. This coincides with the concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which is an indispensable part of world medicine, and if the risk factors affecting sepsis outcomes are discussed from the perspective of integrated Traditional Chinese and Western medicine, it will be conducive to a better understanding of sepsis, thereby helping to optimize the individualized treatment of sepsis.

Effective common chinese herbal medicines used in treating chronic cholecystitis with liver-gallbladder dampness-heat syndrome: A review of clinical studies in the past 10 years

The objective of the study is to identify the effective common Chinese herbal medicines used in treating chronic cholecystitis with liver-gallbladder dampness-heat syndrome (CCLGDHS) through reviewing relevant clinical studies published in the past 10 years. Data were collected from ScienceDirect and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure. Data screening was carried out for the abstracts and full texts of the data. The top 15 Chinese herbal medicines with the highest occurring frequency were selected, statistically analyzed, and classified by their medicinal properties, actions, and indications according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2015 edition. The top 15 effective common Chinese herbal medicines comprise Chai Hu, Huang Qin, Jin Qian Cao, Bai Shao, Yin Chen, Yu Jin, Chuan Lian Zi, Yan Hu Suo, Zhi Shi, Ban Xia, Bai Zhu, Pu Gong Ying, Gan Cao, Zhi Zi, and Qing Pi. The predominant natures were cold, cool, and warm. This combination can clear stagnant heat, warm Yang, and regulate Qi dynamics. In addition, bitter, pungent, and sweet were the predominant flavors. They can clear dampness-heat, regulate Qi dynamics to relieve cramps and pain, as well as tonify the deficiency. Along with entering the liver and gallbladder meridians, these herbal medicines also entered the spleen, stomach, and lung meridians to prevent potential disease transmission. The combinatorial medicinal actions of the effective common Chinese herbal medicine highlight the importance of the holistic concept of traditional Chinese medicine when treating CCLGDHS. In addition, the inclusion of activating blood to promote blood circulation, relieving cramps and alleviating pain, and tonifying the spleen and stomach represents a new finding in the treatment principle for CCLGDHS.

Sociocognitive terminology-based principles for translating the classics of traditional Chinese medicine

The classics of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) contain terminology that is challenging to translate from the Ancient Chinese language into modern English and other target languages. In this paper, we introduce the main principles of sociocognitive terminology theory and examine how the application of these principles in TCM translation projects can produce superior results. To begin our study, we evaluate the salient characteristics of important TCM terms from linguistic, cognitive, diachronic, and communicative perspectives. Next, we present a model for realizing the objectives of linguistic economy, systematic relevance, conceptual retrospection, and knowledge dissemination in sociocognitive translation studies. Finally, to illustrate the practicality of this four-dimensional model, we present a case study on sociocognitive translation of the TCM classic 黄帝内经 (Huangdi Neijing or The Inner Canon of Huangdi), which was compiled during the Warring States period (475–221 BCE). In summary, we find that this model effectively addresses the complexities of TCM terminology and provides solutions to problems involving conceptual connotation, symbolic representation, and communicative context. Following this approach, translators will be better able to convey the profoundly humanistic nature of TCM concepts, significantly improve the quality of TCM translations, and promote TCM and Chinese culture internationally.

Neobaicalein Inhibits Th17 Cell Differentiation Resulting in Recovery of Th17/Treg Ratio through Blocking STAT3 Signaling Activation

Huangqin is the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, which has been widely utilized for heat-clearing (Qingre) and dewetting (Zaoshi), heat-killed (Xiehuo) and detoxifying (Jiedu) in the concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is used for treating inflammation and cancer in clinical formulas. Neobaicalein (NEO) is of flavonoid isolated from Huangqin and has been reported to possess prominent anti-inflammatory effects in published work. Th17/Treg balance shift to Th17 cells is an essential reason for autoimmune inflammatory diseases. However, the role NEO plays in Th17 and Treg and the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated yet. Network pharmacology-based study revealed that NEO predominantly regulated IL-17 signaling pathway. Moreover, our result shown that NEO (3-30 μmol/L) down-regulated Th17 differentiation and cellular supernatant and intracellular IL-17A level and tumor necrosis factor α production in a concentration-dependent manner. The further mechanism research revealed that NEO also specifically inhibited phosphorylation of STAT3(Tyr725) and STAT4 (Y693) without influence on activation of STAT5 and STAT6 in splenocytes. Immunofluorescence results illuminated that NEO effectively blocked STAT3 translocated into nucleus. Interestingly, NEO at appreciated dose could only inhibit Th17 cell differentiation and have no effect on Treg differentiation. The present study revealed that NEO effectively inhibited Th17 cell differentiation through specifically blocking the activation of STAT3 signaling without inactivation of STAT5 and STAT6. Additional inhibitory effect on activation of STAT4 by NEO also suggested the potential for antagonism against Th1 differentiation. All work suggested that NEO may be a potential candidate for immunoregulation and treating autoimmune inflammatory diseases through inhibiting immune cell viability and T cell differentiation.

Epigenetic biomarkers of cold and heat syndromes of rheumatoid arthritis: Combining DNA hydroxymethylation and mRNA-sequencing.

Epigenetic biomarkers of cold and heat syndromes of rheumatoid arthritis: Combining DNA hydroxymethylation and mRNA-sequencing.

Simultaneous Evaluation of Dissolution and Absorption Study of Compound Danshen Tablets and Capsules Based on Cellular Electrical Sensing Model.

This study explores the dissolution mechanism and absorption process of compound Danshen tablets (CDTs) and compound Danshen capsules (CDCs) in vitro. Taking the cell index as the evaluation index of dissolution and absorption of multi-component solid preparations of CDTs and CDCs, it breaks through the idea of traditional research. We used real-time cell-based assay (RTCA) to provide a new idea and method for the consistency evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound preparations. The drug dissolution and absorption simulation system (DDASS) was established to obtain the dissolution and absorption samples of compound Danshen solid preparations at different time points. The cell index (CI) of the sample to H9C2 cells was detected by RTCA technology, and the dissolution and absorption percentage were calculated based on this index to obtain the dissolution and absorption kinetics model. Meanwhile, one batch of tablets and one batch of capsules (batch numbers ZKC1816 and 202101001) were selected to conduct the overall animal pharmacodynamic experiment to verify the feasibility of drug effect evaluation with cell index as an indicator. The best fitting model of dissolution curves of each batch of CDTs and CDCs is the Weibull model. There was a good correlation (r > 0.86) between the dissolution-absorption-pharmacodynamic curve. Based on RTCA technology, we have established the comprehensive evaluation method for cell biology of compound Danshen solid preparations in line with the overall concept of TCM and a synchronous evaluation system of dissolution and absorption in vitro of new TCM compound solid preparations.

Current Situation and Countermeasures of English Translation of International Communication of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Post-epidemic Era

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, traditional Chinese medicine has achieved great success in the global anti-epidemic cause and the construction of human health community, and has gradually become a business card for Chinese traditional Chinese medicine culture to step onto the world stage. In the post-epidemic era, the international communication and exchange of traditional Chinese medicine will become more and more frequent, and English translation of traditional Chinese medicine as the key to its external communication. Accurate English translation of traditional Chinese medicine can not only express the connotation of basic Chinese medicine terms and convey the medical concept of traditional Chinese medicine, but also promote the concept of health preservation of traditional Chinese medicine and carry forward the characteristic therapy of traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a remarkable curative effect in every stage of COVID-19 prevention and treatment. In order to let the world see the anti-epidemic effect of TCM, China has formulated a TCM diagnosis and treatment plan for COVID-19 epidemic, and shared the successful experience of TCM anti-epidemic with the world. In order to further analyze the current situation and problems of Chinese medicine translation in international communication in the post-epidemic era, this paper will analyze and study the English version of novel coronavirus Chinese Medicine Treatment Plan (7th Edition for Trial Implementation) (hereinafter referred to as the 7th Edition Plan) from the perspective of language dimension, cultural dimension and communication dimension in the theory of eco-translatology, and propose corresponding solutions to the problems to help the international communication of Chinese medicine.

Exploration of the construction of semantic framework of meridians and acupoints based on top-level ontology

Based on the top-level ontology and the existing ontology methodology, the related concepts of meridians and acupoints were discriminated, defined and classified; the relationship of core concepts were established, e.g. meridians, acupoints and zangfu. It was attempted to build an ontological semantic framework of meridians and acupoints. Through the investigation on the classification mode of the top-level ontology, it is proposed that the meridians and acupoints, as the unique concepts of traditional Chinese medicine, exist in the form of "emptiness" and belong to "immaterial entity". Meridians refer to the three-dimensional channels in the human body, and acupoints are divided into ontological acupoints and body surface ones. Ontological acupoints are regarded as a three-dimensional structure within the human body, whereas, body surface ones are the optimal sites for acupuncture needle insertion on the body surface, meaning, the zero-dimensional point on the body surface. The main relationships between meridians and acupoints include is-a, exterior-interior, located-in, correspondent-to, mapping, etc. The exploration of the semantic framework of meridians and acupoints is conductive to understanding the connotation of meridians, acupoints and their relationship.

Application of metabolomics in the diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the treatment of traditional Chinese medicine.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease around the world, and it often coexists with insulin resistance-related diseases including obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension, which seriously threatens human health. Better prevention and treatment strategies are required to improve the impact of NAFLD. Although needle biopsy is an effective tool for diagnosing NAFLD, this method is invasive and difficult to perform. Therefore, it is very important to develop more efficient approaches for the early diagnosis of NAFLD. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can play a certain role in improving symptoms and protecting target organs, and its mechanism of action needs to be further studied. Metabolomics, the study of all metabolites that is thought to be most closely associated with the patients’ characters, can provide useful clinically biomarkers that can be applied to NAFLD and may open up new methods for diagnosis. Metabolomics technology is consistent with the overall concept of TCM, and it can also be used as a potential mechanism to explain the effects of TCM by measuring biomarkers by metabolomics. Based on PubMed/MEDLINE and other databases, this paper retrieved relevant literature NAFLD and TCM intervention in NAFLD using metabolomics technology in the past 5 years were searched, and the specific metabolites associated with the development of NAFLD and the potential mechanism of Chinese medicine on improving symptoms were summarized.

Research on the Path of Internationalization Development of Chinese Herbal Medicine Industry: A Literature Review

The Chinese herbal medicine industry covered by the concept of traditional Chinese medicine has made great progress in China. How to go abroad and play its unique medical role on the world stage with the help of the east wind of the "the Belt and Road" is the core of this paper. Up to now, most of the theoretical research on the internationalization of Chinese enterprises and traditional Chinese medicine enterprises is to comment on the adaptability and theoretical transformation of the internationalization theory of foreign scholars to the internationalization of enterprises. The relevant research mainly focuses on the two dimensions of internationalization entry mode and business form. By combing many management and internationalization theories, this paper hopes to extend the scheme combination in line with the international development of Chinese herbal medicine industry on the basis of existing theories, which has a certain reference significance for the international development of Chinese herbal medicine industry.

Application of network pharmacology in the study of the mechanism of action of traditional chinese medicine in the treatment of COVID-19.

Network pharmacology was rapidly developed based on multidisciplinary holistic analysis of biological systems, which has become a popular tool in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research in recent years. Its characteristics of integrity and systematization provide a new approach for the study on complex TCM systems, which has many similarities with the holistic concept of TCM. It has been widely used to explain the mechanism of TCM treatment of diseases, drug repositioning, and interpretation of compatibility of TCM prescriptions, to promote the modernization of TCM. The use of TCM have provided crucial support on prevention and treatment of diseases such as the famous “three medicines and three prescriptions”. Furthermore, TCM has become an important part of the treatment of COVID-19 and is one of the main contents of the “Chinese plan” to fight the epidemic. The current review demonstrated the role of TCM in treating diseases with multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways, interprets the connotation of TCM treatment method selection based on pathogenesis and also discusses the application of network pharmacology in the study of COVID-19 treatment in TCM including single drug and prescription. However, there are still some shortcomings such as the lack of experimental verification and regular upgrading of the TCM pharmacology network. Therefore, we must pay attention to the characteristics of TCM and develop a network pharmacology method suitable for TCM system research when applying network pharmacology to TCM research.

Valid and Convenient Questionnaire Assessment of Chinese Body Constitution: Item Characteristics, Reliability, and Construct Validation.

BackgroundBody constitution is a fundamental concept in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for clinical diagnosis, treatment of illness, and community-based health promotion. Clinical assessment of patients’ body constitutions, however, has never been easy and consistent, even by well-trained clinicians and TCM practitioners. Therefore, questionnaires such as the popular Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (CCMQ) can be an appealing and convenient assessment alternative. The present research borrowed advanced methodologies for questionnaire development in psychology and other social sciences to examine the performance of the CCMQ in terms of (i) the strength of relations of each item with its designated constitution, (ii) the reliabilities of each constitution, and (iii) the overall 9-constitution structure. This research provided empirical evidence to support the use of the CCMQ and proposed directions for refinement in future revisions of the CCMQ or similar measures.MethodsA total of 1571 volunteers from three villages in southern China participated in the CCMQ survey. The item characteristics, reliabilities, interconstitution correlations, and confirmatory factor analysis of the 9-body-constitution structure were examined.ResultsThe results generally supported the appropriateness of the clinical observations (the questionnaire items) and the CCMQ 9-constitution classification structure. Nevertheless, some relatively weaker items, item pairs with similar meanings, and highly overlapping constitutions were identified for future CCMQ revisions.ConclusionThe CCMQ measured the 9 constitutions efficiently and with reasonably good reliability and construct validity. Given the various challenges to assessing TCM body constitutions even by experienced clinicians, the CCMQ provides an appealing alternative to measure the Chinese body constitutions of healthy participants in large-scale research or community health promotion programs. The present study also demonstrated how advanced methodologies in social sciences can help validate and refine the CCMQ and similar complementary medicine measures.