[Key foundational science problem in experimental medicine study of Chinese materia medica: ascertainment of active and toxic constituents from Chinese materia medica].

The problem on study of the active and toxic constituents of Chinese materia medica is the core of the problems in the field of modern research of Chinese materia medica. But approved methods for ascertaining the active and toxic constituents in Chinese materia medica have not been developed yet and are in developing phases. In combination with the characteristics of Chinese materia medica in clinical use and the achievements of modern pharmaceutical research, series model may be a finer approach to make certain of the active and toxic constituents from Chinese materia medica, which includes the parent compound biotransformation by human intestinal bacteria to make biotransformation products, and the absorption and further biotransformation in intestinal wall, the metabolization in the liver, and the secretion by the kidney of the parent compounds and biotransformation products. This method is also an important research assignment in the field of experimental medicine study of Chinese materia medica.