However, rarely have Americans been exposed to TCM since most TCM practitioners dwell primarily in the Chinatowns across the nation. Herbs are primarily plants, but also can be derived from animals and minerals. Herbs are either ingested or applied externally to correct physical disorders by balancing body energy and revitalizing cells or tissues. Besides its documentation in historical application, scientists have applied modem technology to identify active compounds for healing properties in many Chinese herbs based on their historic claims. Approximately 65 new herb-derived drugs have been developed over the last few decades.
Chinese herbs continue to be understood for their health benefits by the scientific community.
In a test performed at Harvard University, scientists found that daidzin in kudzu suppress the craving for alcohol in animal models. The people of China have used kudzu as a food for many years. Manufacturers' purifying, refining and treating the herbs with chemicals cause them to lose their potential for natural balance. For example, daidzin in kudzu could be used as a drug to treat alcoholism, but it loses the natural balance of rich isoflavones when purified. Puerarin prevents cardiovascular damage caused by insufficient oxygen supply.