Eastern medicine, encompassing traditional Chinese Medicine (ranging from subspecialties such as acupuncture and Qi Gong), Kampo, Ayurveda, and other healing arts, has the potential of delivering an alternative to the toxic effects of certain Western medications. The increased popularity of herbs as dietary supplements with little government oversight and a lack of standard quality control from manufacturers are problematic for consumers whose understanding of the therapeutic effect of these herbs is rudimentary at best. Because of batch-to-batch variations, disparities in preparation, concentration, and perhaps even chemical composition of these supplements, it is questionable whether Western manufactured herbs share the same therapeutic effects as the ones prepared according to traditional Eastern methods. The use of herbs in conjunction with prescription drugs is challenging due to the lack of juried research and studies concerning possible cross-interactions between medicines. This combined with a lack of knowledge and training among health professionals creates the potential for significant health issues. Qualitative and quantitative testing, biostatistical studies of therapies, and better manufacturing controls are needed for the effective use of Eastern medicines, both as a complement to or alternative to Western treatments.

For example, Western cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy have many adverse side effects. Eastern Medicine could help mitigate those side effects by minimizing the symptoms or reducing dosage requirements when used in conjunction with current Western treatments and therapies. Immunological, enzymatic, and molecular biological-related research could benefit from studies of effective Eastern Medicinal treatments. Cellular and bioprocessing approaches could eventually modify our way of scientific research in treating illnesses from colds to cancers. Studies of the ways in which Western mainstream medicine and technology can be integrated with traditional Eastern medicine are the focus of this special issue. Both original research and high-quality reviews are welcome in this special issue of the journal. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Incompatibility and synergism among herbs and certain drugs and foods
• Minimization of adverse reaction of herbs by unaware public
• Qualitative and quantitative testing for, and biostatistical analysis of, herbal medicine
• Research of genomics and proteomics on cancer prevention and therapy
• Original research or systemic review of proven methods for the treatment of cancer or other intractable diseases that involve Eastern medicine
• Methods or herbal recipes that alleviate or minimizing the undesirable side effects of conventional radiation or/and chemotherapy

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal’s Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/submit/journals/ecam/eastw/ according to the following timetable: