Application of traditional Chinese medicine residues in animal farming, agriculture, biofuel, food, and pharmaceutical industries

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) production generates over 10 million tonnes of herb residues annually, contributing to disposal challenges, environmental pollution, and wasted resources if proper management is not implemented. TCM residues have carbon-rich structures and abundant lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, bioactive compounds, and antibacterial compounds, which can be used to produce pharmaceuticals, biofuel, biochar, and organic fertiliser. Thus, TCM residues have potential applications in agriculture, fisheries, energy production, environmental remediation, food, and pharmaceutical industries. In this chapter, existing challenges and potential pathways for valorising TCM residues are discussed. It is suggested that TCM enterprises should establish a sustainable circular economy via the rational utilisation of herb residues, which will alleviate environmental pollution and provide valuable by-products. Copyright © 2023 by World Scientific Publishing Europe Ltd.