The "Development and Application of Functional Brown Sugar from Ailao Mountain" project, led by Associate Researcher Ma Tao from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine(BUCM), has been recognized as a national model case by the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. This marks BUCM's sole entry this year, highlighting its role in integrating traditional Chinese medicine innovation with industry, and supporting rural revitalization and health strategies in China.

The project began during the COVID-19 pandemic when Ma Tao volunteered as deputy county mayor in Shuangbai county, Yunnan province. He utilized his expertise to enhance local medicinal herb industries, earning accolades for his contributions to poverty alleviation and rural development.

After returning to BUCM, Ma continued to support Shuangbai by combining traditional Yi ethnic sugar-making techniques with CM theories. This led to the creation of a model integrating "university research + local industry + farmer income." In collaboration with Xinshi Sugar Industry Trade (Yunnan) Co., Ma's team established a Functional Brown Sugar Research Institute and developed products like Poria Brown Sugar and Polygonatum Brown Sugar, blending Yi medicine wisdom with CM theories.

The project employed modern analytical techniques to study the chemical components of Ailao Mountain brown sugar, publishing their findings in Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica. This research supports quality evaluation and nutritional studies, bridging traditional practices with modern science.

The project's success in boosting farmers’ incomes and creating jobs exemplifies a collaborative model of "production, learning, research and application." With functional brown sugar products achieving market success, this recognition underscores BUCM's role in advancing CM and rural revitalization, contributing to China's health initiatives.