In ancient Chinese times “medicine” (traditional Chinese medicine, TCM, e.g., Zhong-Yi in Chinese) and “pharmacy” (CHM, e.g., Zhong-Yao in Chinese) were already described as distinct disciplines. More than 85% of Chinese materia medica (CMM) derives from plants, though animal parts, insects, minerals, and crude synthetics are also prescribed by Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners. In addition, the term “CHM” also encompasses a number of ethnic herbal medicines and folk medicines in China [1].
TCM in Malaysia spread through waves of Chinese migration from the 18th – 19th century when community practitioners (“sinseh”) and medical halls established localized dispensing and consulation networks. These halls served as supply nodes for imported decoction pieces and patent medicines from China, while Malaysian Chinese physicians adapted formulas to local tropical plants and Malay dietary practices. This long-standing community practice was then formally integrated into Malaysia’s health system under the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Act 2016 (Act 775). The Act came into force in stages, requires registration of recognized practices (including TCM) with full implementation from March 2021. Unregistered practice can result in fines or imprisonment, as integration and quality assurance tightened under the Ministry of Health (MOH) [2,3].
In the past, surveys in China showed that more than 10,000 – 12, 800 plant species were used in TCM, with about 1,000 species most prescribed. At that time, about 80% of herbs were collected from the wild. This raised concerns on overharvesting and biodiversity loss [4,5]. The Fourth National Survey of Chinese Materia Medica Resources (2011-2020) reported 18,817 resources, including 15,321 medicinal plants, 826 medicinal fungi, 2,517 animals, and 153 minerals [6]. Among these, 464 species requires protection, and 196 new species were documented [5,6]. These findings prove how wide and important the TCM resources are in need for sustainable management.
In Malaysia today, TCM practice operates through a mix of private clinics and public hospitals. Since 2020, at least 15 government hospitals have offered TCM services, like acupuncture for pain management and stroke rehabilitation [7]. A T&CM Council and Registar; oversee practitioner registration, while the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) regulates herbal products. Under the Drug Registration Guidance Document (DRGD), natural products must comply with strict standards for safety, quality, and labelling [8].
By 2016, TCM represented the largest group in the T&CM sector of Malaysia, accounting for a about 45% of practitioners (16,000 registered voluntarily). Later, stricter rules under the T&CM Act required formal education or special tests for old practitioners without degrees [3,9]. Malaysia still imports most of its TCM herbs, especially high-value ones like Panax ginseng (renshen), Rehmannia glutinosa (dihuang), and Astragalus membranaceus (huangqi). Some plants like Zingiber officinale (ginger) and Curcuma longa (turmeric) are grown locally, though Chinese formulas heavily depend on imports from China. Because 80% of herbs worldwide are still collected from the wild, Malaysia’s reliance on imports ties its TCM sector closely to global conservation concerns.
Some important herbs used by Chinese doctors in Malaysia are [10]:
| Category | Herbs (Scientific name) | Chinese / Local name | Main uses in TCM |
| Imported Herbs (from China) | Panax ginseng | Renshen | Energy tonic, restore vitality, strengthen qi |
| Rehmannia glutinosa | Dihuang | Cooling, blood nourishment, yin tonic | |
| Astragalus membranaceus | Huangqi | Boost immunity, strengthen qi, prevent illness | |
| Wolfiporia cocos | Fuling | Digestive aid, reduce dampness, promote urination | |
| Local/Tropical Herbs used in TCM Malaysia | Areca catechu | Pinlang/Betel nut | Used for worms, digestion, stimulant |
| Oldenlandia diffusa (Hedyotis diffusa) | Baihuashescao | Anti-inflammatory, treat infections, cancer support | |
| Piper nigrum | Hujiao/Black pepper | Stomach pain, cough, improve appetite | |
| Myristica fragrans | Roudoukou/Nutmeg | Diarrhea, stomach upset, warming herb | |
| Vitex rotundifolia | Manjingzi | Headache, sore eyes, calm liver yang |
- Professionalization: Act 775 provides legal recognition and requires formal education such as a degree in TCM or acupuncture with competency testing for older practitioners. This helps maintain high quality practice while respecting traditional knowledge [2,3,9].
- Product Quality Control: The NPRA enforces safety and labelling regulations to protect consumers from adulterated or counterfeit herbal products, a known global challenge [8].
- Conservation and Supply: Surveys in China showed that with over 15,000 medicinal plants used, many are now rare or endangered [5,6]. Groups like Botanical Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) warned that wild harvesting is still too extensive and could damage biodiversity [11]. As Malaysia imports most TCM herbs, it must ensure they come from safe and sustainable sources.
References:
- Si-Yuan P, Litscher G, Si-Hua G, Shu-Feng Z, Zhi-Ling Y, Hou-Qi C, et al. Historical Perspective of Traditional Indigenous Medical Practices: The Current Renaissance and Conservation of Herbal Resources. Evidence – Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2014;2014.
- Laws of Malaysia. Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act 2016 (Act 775). Putrajaya: Government of Malaysia; 2016.
- Ministry of Health Malaysia. T&CM Act 2016: Registration of Practitioners, Regulations 2021, Recognized Practice Areas. Putrajaya: MOH; 2021.
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Sustainable use of medicinal plants—A multi-sectoral challenge. Rome: FAO; 2002.
- Huang L, Zhang X, Wang S, et al. Species of Chinese materia medica resources based on the fourth national survey of Chinese materia medica resources. Study of Chinese Medicine. 2024;8(3): e0002.
- Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (CACMS). Fourth Chinese materia medica resources survey. Beijing: CACMS; 2020.
- Ministry of Health Malaysia. Annual Report 2020. Putrajaya: MOH; 2020.
- National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA). Drug Registration Guidance Document (DRGD), Appendix 7: Guideline on Registration of Natural Products. 3rd ed. 2023.
- Park JE, Cho M-C, Lee JH, Lee JH. Twenty years of traditional and complementary medicine regulation and its impact in Malaysia: achievements and policy lessons. Integr Med Res. 2022;11(1):100790.
- Mohiuddin SG. Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Malaysia. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2020;12(2):229–36.
- Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). Wild flora for improved rural livelihoods: case studies. Richmond: BGCI; 2012.
