State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China (Partner Laboratory in The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Built on the foundation of long-term collaboration between the Institute of Chinese Medicine of CUHK and the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the SKL aims to conduct research into the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine and the application of biotechnology in medical science. The study of Chinese medicine has been one of the key research areas at CUHK, with spectacular results coming up in recent years. The State Laboratory of Phytochemistry of the Kunming Institute of Botany is the pioneer in the study of medicinal plants, in particular plant resources in western China, and has a significant influence on the development of similar researches in China and beyond. Combining the strengths of the two institutes, the SKL is well positioned to enhance international acceptance of traditional Chinese medicinal remedies by providing scientific proof of their efficacy and safety and exploring how such remedies can be more widely applied in modern medicine. Its research will focus on the phytochemistry and sustainability of plant resources in western China, particularly in the areas of cancer treatment, cardiovascular health, development of health supplements, authentication and barcoding of DNA, and viral infection.