Research projects

Research projects

The China–Australia International Research Centre for Chinese Medicine (the Centre) conducts a range of high-impact traditional and complementary medicine research projects, including clinical trials, systematic reviews and the landmark 29-volume evidence-based clinical Chinese medicine monographs.

If you are interested in collaborating with the Centre or want to know more about its research projects, please email cairccm.rmit@rmit.edu.au.

Current projects

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  • About this project: This project involves publishing 29 evidence-based Chinese medicine clinical monographs in English and Chinese. These landmark monographs on conditions commonly treated by Chinese medicine form the volumes in the Evidence-based Clinical Chinese Medicine Book Series. Supporting documents, including evidence updates and summaries will also be published.
  • Researchers: Researchers from RMIT University and Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine co-author these monographs.
  • Status: The 29 English language versions of the monographs are complete. Chinese language versions, evidence updates and summaries are underway.

  • About this project: This is a mixed-method study consisting of a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) and a qualitative study. The pilot RCT aims to test the study protocol and provide preliminary data for a future full-size RCT. The nested qualitative study aims to collect participants’ feedback on Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) external application.
  • Researchers: Junyue Wang (GPHCM), Claire Shuiqing Zhang (RMIT), Tony Zhang (RMIT), Chuanjian Lu (GPHCM), Charlie Changli Xue (RMIT).
  • Status: Data collection underway.

  • About this project: This real-world observational study aims to gather practice-based evidence of effectiveness and safety of CHM for migraine in the context of integrating Chinese medicine diagnostic procedures, patients’ preferences and matters relevant to clinical decision making.
  • Researchers: Shaohua Lyu (GPHCM), Claire Shuiqing Zhang (RMIT), Tony Zhang (RMIT), Jingbo Sun (GPHCM), Xinfeng Guo (GPHCM), Charlie Changli Xue (RMIT).
  • Status: Data collection completed.

  • About this project: This qualitative study aims to investigate the experiences, attitudes and perspectives of patients, caregivers and clinicians about the CHM treatment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and co-existing sleep disturbance. This study will also give valuable insights into developing comprehensive MCI management strategies.
  • Researchers: Lingling Liu (GPHCM), Claire Shuiqing Zhang (RMIT), Tony Zhang (RMIT), Yifeng Cai (GPHCM), Charlie Changli Xue (RMIT).
  • Status: Protocol in preparation.

  • About this project: Through systematic reviews and meta-analyses, this project examines CHM for acute and chronic rhinosinusitis and for post-surgical recovery. It also includes analyses of classical literature and a survey on practitioner prescribing.
  • Researchers: Jing Cui, Brian H May, Tony Zhang, Charlie Changli Xue.
  • Status: One systematic review published and one under review. 

  • About this project: Through systematic review and meta-analysis, this project aims to examine whether Chinese medicine is more effective than placebo or usual care in reducing the severity of persistent symptoms in people with COVID-19 at the recovery stage. 
  • Researchers: Miranda Sin-Man Tsang, Iris Wenyu Zhou, Tony Zhang, Charlie Changli Xue.
  • Status: Data analysis underway.

  • About this project: This pilot RCT aims to answer if acupuncture is more effective than usual care alone for reducing muscle pain and/or joint pain in people with long COVID.
  • Researchers: Miranda Sin-Man Tsang, Meaghan Coyle, Iris Wenyu Zhou, Tony Zhang, Charlie Changli Xue.
  • Status: Protocol refinement underway.

  • About this project: This pilot RCT aims to investigate if Chinese herbal medicine is more effective than placebo for persistent cough induced by hypersensitivity in people with long COVID.
  • Researchers: Miranda Sin-Man Tsang, Claire Shuiqing Zhang, Tony Zhang, Charlie Changli Xue.
  • Status: Protocol write-up underway.

  • About this project: This pilot RCT aims to find out if manual acupuncture plus usual care is more effective than usual care alone in reducing the severity of fatigue in people with long COVID.
  • Researchers: Miranda Sin-Man Tsang, Brian H May, Yuan Ming Di, Tony Zhang, Charlie Changli Xue.
  • Status: Protocol write-up underway.

  • About this project: The study aims to systematically review registered randomised controlled trials to assess whether vitamin D supplementation can alleviate pain associated with endometriosis and primary dysmenorrhea. It seeks to provide evidence-based insights into the potential benefits of vitamin D in managing these conditions.
  • Researchers: Iris Zhou, Miranda Sin-Man Tsang, Tony Zhang, Charlie Changli Xue.
  • Status: Manuscript being written.

  • About this project: This study is a randomised, subject-, investigator- and assessor-blinded, sham-controlled pilot trial to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of TQF for people with stage 2–4 diabetic kidney disease. 
  • Researchers: Meifang Liu (GPHCM), Yuan Di (RMIT), Tony Zhang (RMIT), Lei Zhang (GPHCM), Xusheng Liu (GPHCM), Charlie Changli Xue (RMIT).
  • Status: Trial recruitment and data collection in progress.  

  • About this project: This is a prospective, observational, registry-based, cohort study of CHM for reducing colorectal adenoma recurrence with a follow-up phase up to one year, with an embedded qualitative study.
  • Researchers: Yi Cheng (GPHCM), Yuan Di (RMIT), Tony Zhang (RMIT), Beiping Zhang (GPHCM), Charlie Changli Xue (RMIT).
  • Status: Trial recruitment and data collection in progress. 

  • About this project: This survey study of people with HIV and clinical professionals will explore perspectives on the use of Chinese herbal medicine for managing cardiovascular health.
  • Researchers: Wan-Jung (Cheryl) Cheng, Anthony Jaworowski, Tony Zhang, Charlie Changli Xue
  • Status: Ethics application in progress.
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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information