Core Insights - The rising prices of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs are causing significant concern among patients, with many unable to afford necessary treatments [1][2][3] - The increase in prices is attributed to higher cultivation costs, multiple layers of pricing in the distribution chain, and speculative capital inflating prices [1][4][6] - Experts suggest that a collaborative approach involving government, enterprises, and the industry is essential to bring prices back to a reasonable level [1][7] Price Trends - Prices of various TCM products have doubled or even tripled in recent years, with specific examples such as the price of Compound Suanzaoren Capsules rising from 49.9 yuan in 2017 to 80 yuan, and in some cities reaching 150 yuan [2] - The price of traditional herbs like Bai Shao and Bai Shu has surged from 30-40 yuan per kilogram in 2022 to around 200-300 yuan in 2023 [2] - The price of herbs like Chan Tui has increased from approximately 600 yuan per kilogram five years ago to around 2000 yuan currently [2] Cost Factors - The increase in TCM herb prices is primarily due to rising labor and agricultural input costs, with the cost of cultivating Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui) increasing from 2000 yuan to 3000 yuan per acre [4][6] - Extreme weather conditions, such as droughts, have also contributed to price hikes, with the price of Party Ginseng rising from 70 yuan to 110 yuan per kilogram [4] Distribution Challenges - The distribution chain for TCM is lengthy, involving multiple stakeholders, which leads to significant markups at each stage [5][6] - The high cost of raw materials is not easily passed down to consumers, as the prices of finished products remain elevated despite some reductions in raw material costs [6] Policy Recommendations - Experts recommend enhancing price regulation mechanisms to stabilize TCM herb prices and improve transparency in the market [7][8] - Suggestions include promoting mechanized and standardized cultivation practices, establishing direct supply chains from producers to retailers, and creating a comprehensive traceability system for TCM products [7][8]

作 者丨季媛媛 编 辑丨闫硕 图 源丨摄图网 而这背后，也折射出整个中医药行业的价格制定痛点。 价格为何一路飙升？ 失眠会对身体带来一定的危害。研究显示，短期失眠会导致白天功能下降和生活质量下降， 长期失眠会显著增加心血管疾病、糖尿病等慢性疾病的风险，且可能引发记忆力减退、免疫 力下降等并发症，严重影响生命质量和预期寿命。 有学者曾发文指出，中医药在改善睡眠方面已有悠久历史，其具有多方位、多成分、多途 径、整体调节、辨证论治、作用温和、安全可靠、可通过多靶点实现协同作用等优势，已成 为治疗失眠的关键手段。 近日，一则失眠药五年暴涨近6倍的消息引发广泛讨论。业内普遍关注的是：公众睡眠焦虑和 失眠药市场乱象。 睡眠是身心健康的基石，然而受多重因素的影响，公众睡眠问题愈发普遍。综合多所医院的 科普知识，入睡困难、夜里经常醒来或多梦、早醒、睡眠质量下降等都是失眠的表现，多数 失眠患者可同时存在抑郁、焦虑和（或）躯体化症状。按失眠严重程度，可分为轻、中和重 度。 常德奇维生物医药有限公司董事、中国医药教育协会医专委委员刘检向21世纪经济报道记者 表示，数据显示，失眠类产品在零售药店增长比较亮眼，每年大概在7%~9%，未 ...

Core Viewpoint - The price of the compound jujube kernel capsule, a commonly used sleep aid in China, has skyrocketed from approximately 20 yuan to over 100 yuan in just a few years, indicating a significant market shift and rising demand for sleep-related medications [1][2][3]. Group 1: Price Trends - The price of the compound jujube kernel capsule has increased dramatically, with some pharmacies selling it for as high as 148 yuan for a 12-capsule bottle, averaging over 12 yuan per capsule [2][3]. - A comparison of purchase orders shows that the price of the 12-capsule bottle rose from about 20 yuan in 2020 to nearly 150 yuan today, marking an increase of approximately 600% over five years [3][4]. - The current retail price for the 12-capsule bottle is set at 128 yuan, with a supply price of 98 yuan, reflecting a significant markup from previous years [9][10]. Group 2: Raw Material Costs - The primary raw material, sour jujube seed, has seen its price rise from 200 yuan per kilogram in 2020 to over 1,000 yuan per kilogram in 2023, representing a 400% increase over three years [12][13]. - The price of another key ingredient, corydalis, has also fluctuated, increasing from 40 yuan to 150 yuan per kilogram between 2020 and 2022, with current prices maintaining high levels [16][20]. Group 3: Market Demand - The demand for sleep aids has surged, with a reported increase of nearly 30% in the number of patients visiting sleep clinics from 2021 to 2024 [26][28]. - According to a report, the incidence of insomnia among adults in China is as high as 38.2%, with an estimated 200 to 300 million people affected by sleep disorders [27][31]. - The market for insomnia medications is projected to grow significantly, with estimates indicating an increase from 10.3 billion yuan in 2017 to 21.2 billion yuan by 2030, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate [31].