Drug Discov Ther. 2026;20(2):119-127. (DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2026.01012)

Modern research on formulated granules of traditional Chinese medicines and Japanese Kampo medicines: A narrative review

Li WY

The modernization of traditional medicine follows diverse pathways. This paper aims to provide a narrative review of the manufacturing processes, research on active ingredients, and models for the clinical use of formulated granules of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) and Japanese Kampo medicines in the context of their modernization by comparing advances in research on the two and their challenges. By searching databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), this review included relevant literature published up to 2026. After screening, a total of 48 relevant articles were included in the review. In TCM, formulated granules evolved from the need to modernize herbal medicines through multi-stage extraction and granulation. This enhances convenience while preserving medicinal properties. TCM enables flexible syndrome differentiation and it is working to industrially produce and standardize herbal medicines while refining quality standards. Japanese Kampo, based on fixed classical formulations and covered by National Health Insurance, has developed a highly standardized, evidence-based model. Research in China broadly investigates numerous formulations using omics technologies to explore their material basis and network pharmacology. Research in Japan focuses on in-depth analysis of "pathways to efficacious formulations" for select classic formulations. Faced with the challenge of providing modern evidence, granules can produce real-world data on TCM. This comparative analysis offers insights into the development of quality granules and their use internationally and it explores prospects for Sino-Japanese collaboration in complementary manufacturing processes and fundamental research.

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