Understanding the natural medicine pharmacology: A profile of Kefeng Zhai

As a pharmacology professor in the university, Kefeng Zhai is determined to become an educator. He received his bachelor's, master's, and doctor's degrees from the Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Shihezi University, and China Pharmaceutical University, respectively. Dr. Zhai was born into a scholarly family. His father encouraged him all the time and influenced him to become an excellent teacher. Therefore, he often said: “I train talents for the school, is to train talents for the country, so that I can send more talents to the society.” After receiving his doctorate, Dr. Zhai came to Jinling Hospital of Nanjing University to begin his postdoctoral career. Six years later, Dr. Zhai enthusiastically came to work at Suzhou University, adhering to the original intention of contribution to the cause of education. He hopes that his deep cultivation in the education industry can train talents for society, contribute to the country's development, and teach more outstanding talents with correct values and scientific and cultural literacy. Over the past 16 years of practice, Dr. Zhai has not changed his mind, always adhered to establishing morality and cultivating people, and worked conscientiously in front-line posts.

“I entered Dr. Zhai's project group in my sophomore year. After joining the group, I found that Dr. Zhai's appearance differed from being strict. He not only helped me solve my academic problems, but also gave me life guidance. Dr. Zhai is a harsh and kind teacher”; “I am fortunate to meet Dr. Zhai, and I feel sincere and modest in him.” Two of his students spoke highly of him.

As a professional who delves into advanced science and technology, Dr. Zhai knows very well that it is not enough to just impart knowledge to students. Therefore, he fully used his time and devoted abundant energy to scientific research. Over the years, he actively promoted cooperation between universities and enterprises, conducted R&D work with many pharmaceutical enterprises in the city, and achieved good results. Through continuous exploration and study, Dr. Zhai is well aware that educators should always have the ambition of “serving the country.” Over the years, he has regarded education, scientific research, and exploration as his goals. He has achieved double harvests in education, science, and technology through solid hard work and meticulous research.

Dr. Zhai chose to research conventional Chinese medicine because traditional Chinese medicine and its active components are essential sources of new drug research and preparation, and it plays an essential role in innovative drug development. At present, Dr. Zhai is mainly engaged in research on the efficacy and mechanism of active components of traditional Chinese medicine, target identification and function of cardiovascular disease, miRNA regulation, evaluation, transformation of traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription, and so on. In addition, he also focuses on the discovery and research of clinical biomarkers and treatment targets for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as overcoming the difficulties of autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Zhai has published more than 80 papers, including 40 SCI and 2 highly cited papers. Dr. Zhai is not only the vice president of the School of Biological and Food Engineering at Suzhou University but also the director of the Engineering Research Center for Development and High Value Utilization of Genuine Medicinal Materials in North Anhui Province, the executive director of China Medical Association of Minorities, the director of the Anhui Pharmaceutical Association, a lifetime member of the Chinese Society of Bioengineering and other positions. He has won multiple awards, including the Second Prize of the Invention and Innovation Award of the China Invention Association, the Third Prize of the Anhui Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award, the Huaihai Science and Technology Award, and the Science and Technology Award of China Medical Association of Minorities.

Traditional Chinese medicine condenses profound philosophical wisdom and the concept and practical experience of health preservation of the Chinese nation for thousands of years. Dr. Zhai realized from an early age that traditional Chinese medicine is unique in treating diseases and saving lives, and a dream of scientific research has been buried at that time. Over the years, he put it into practice, worked hard to improve his scientific and cultural literacy, and devoted himself to the scientific research of traditional Chinese medicine. “I have always thought I have an inextricable bond with traditional Chinese medicine, which is the pursuit of my life. Because of my love, I hope to revitalize traditional Chinese medicine, so I have been working hard in scientific research and teaching.” This is Dr. Zhai's life pursuit.