The Tibetan medicine processing technology and safety assessment has reached international standard, according to the medicinal evaluation panel of experts.

The "Zuo Tai Processing and Safety Assessment" project, conducted by the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, is a key medicinal program supported by China's government. The program recently passed the assessment test of a leading expert team.

"Zuo Tai" is the Tibetan term for a special powder processing of Tibetan medicine. "Zuo" means "to refine", and "Tai" means "powder or ash". Such processing is usually an essential part of the Tibetan medicine processing line.

The "Zuo Tai" technology, originally invented by ancient Tibetan doctors, refers to the procedure of processing toxic mercury into a special kind of Tibetan medicine which is no longer toxic but curative. It is deemed as the priceless treasure of the time-honored Tibetan cultural heritage.

Scientists and researchers have been working hard on the verification of the rationality, safety and scientific evidence of the complex traditional Tibetan medicine.

The Science and Technology Department of Qinghai Province recently said the "Zuo Tai" processing technology already passed the assessment by the evaluation panel of expects in March this year.

Zhang Hai Man, deputy director of Qinghai's Science and Technology Department told that the project which is sub-projected with 15 items of core processing methods was established to analyze the ingredients and set related assessment standards.

Experts of the evaluation panel believe that the assessed project is important in both theoretical and clinical aspects.