Founded in 1946 in Taipei, Sun Ten Pharmaceutical Co. (順天堂藥廠) has established itself as one of Taiwan’s leading brands in concentrated Chinese herbal medicine, combining traditional herbal wisdom with modern pharmaceutical innovation. Guided by the philosophy of “following nature and serving humanity” and a steadfast commitment to quality, the company has devoted decades to advancing the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and promoting its integration with contemporary healthcare. At the same time, Sun Ten remains deeply committed to social responsibility, supporting public welfare initiatives that promote health, care, and well-being in communities across Taiwan.
Since the 1970s, Sun Ten has continuously invested in academic research on TCM, publishing more than 400 research papers to date. In recent years, the company has collaborated with National Taiwan Normal University and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University to advance research on Dendrobium fimbriatum (Liu-Su Shihu). Through component analysis, mechanism studies, and the accumulation of clinical data, these efforts aim to transform TCM wisdom into scientifically supported tools for modern health management, demonstrating how ancient knowledge can be integrated with contemporary medical science.
Winter care for families
In January 2026, as a series of cold fronts swept across Taiwan, Sun Ten once again joined hands with the New Taipei City Chinese Medicine Doctors Association and Ko Da Pharmaceutical Co. to carry out their annual charitable donation program. Together, they donated 2,200 ready-to-eat herbal meal packages, valued at nearly NT$470,000 (US$14,600), to disadvantaged households in New Taipei City.
The herbal meal packages were distributed through the New Taipei City Social Welfare Department and local social service centers, ensuring they reached families most in need. For many recipients, these nourishing herbal soups provided both warmth and essential nutrition during the harsh winter season.
In recognition of the company’s long-standing commitment to charitable initiatives, the Social Welfare Department presented Sun Ten and its partners with a certificate of appreciation. The award acknowledged their continued efforts to support vulnerable groups and bring health resources to underserved communities.
Long-term partnership
Sun Ten’s cooperation with the New Taipei City Chinese Medicine Doctors Association has been built over many years. The company first began supporting the association’s charitable initiatives in 2017, responding to calls from both the association and local government to provide assistance to disadvantaged families.
Through the donation of herbal meal packages, healthcare resources, and wellness support, Sun Ten has consistently offered practical help to those in need. During the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2021, the company further demonstrated its commitment to public health by donating its first production batch of NRICM101 (Taiwan Qing Guan Yi Hao) to 13 hospitals across Taiwan, supporting frontline medical teams in their fight against the virus.
By 2026, the company had donated more than 10,000 herbal meal packages, with a total value exceeding NT$2.2 million (US$68,300). Since the launch of New Taipei City’s “Love Platform” social welfare initiative in 2019, Sun Ten and the Chinese Medicine Doctors Association have remained key partners. By combining professional medical expertise with corporate resources, they have ensured that high-quality TCM products reach families who need them most.
Helping communities in need
Sun Ten’s charitable efforts extend beyond urban communities to include disaster relief and medical outreach in remote regions.
In 2025, when severe flooding struck Guangfu Township in Hualien County after the overflow of a barrier lake on the Mataian River, the company quickly responded by donating ready-to-eat herbal soups and energy-supplement drinks. These supplies were distributed through Mennonite Christian Hospital in Hualien and local church organizations, providing vital nourishment and support for rescue workers and residents affected by the disaster.
The company has also taken medical care directly to remote areas. In 2023, Sun Ten partnered with physicians from the New Taipei City Chinese Medicine Doctors Association to conduct a two-day volunteer medical mission on Orchid Island (Lanyu). The team provided free services, including traditional Chinese medical diagnosis, acupuncture, massage therapy, and internal medicine consultations.
Because the island’s residents often perform physically demanding work and live in a humid marine climate, many experience chronic joint pain and rheumatic conditions. The volunteer clinic was warmly welcomed by the community, offering residents rare access to specialized Chinese medical services and much-needed healthcare support.
A legacy of innovation
Sun Ten was founded by Dr. Hong-Yen Hsu, widely recognized as the “Father of Scientific Chinese Medicine.” By introducing concentrated herbal extraction technology from Japan, Dr. Hsu helped bring Taiwan’s TCM into a new era of modernization and standardized pharmaceutical production.
For nearly eight decades, the company has upheld its founding principles while integrating classical herbal knowledge with modern science and manufacturing practices. Sun Ten has developed a comprehensive industry value chain that includes local cultivation of medicinal herbs, innovative research and development, advanced manufacturing, strict quality control, and international collaboration.
The company’s achievements in research and product development have been widely recognized. For example, Sun Ten RespireAid NRICM101 (Taiwan Qing Guan Yi Hao Extract Granules) received the prestigious National Biotechnology and Medical Care Quality Award, while All Mightea (Sun Ten Ping An Defense Drink 順天平安茶) has been awarded the SNQ National Quality Mark. Additional honors in pharmaceutical technology and nutritional health innovation highlight Taiwan’s growing leadership in the field of herbal medicine.
Looking ahead
As Sun Ten approached its 80th anniversary, the company unveiled its vision of “Vitality at 80, Health at 100 (活力八十・健康一百)” at the end of 2025. Centered on the concept of herbal-based health care, the vision emphasizes collaboration with medical institutions, academic researchers, and industry partners to build a comprehensive Herbal Health Ecosystem.
Through scientific research and modern innovation, Sun Ten aims to transform TCM wisdom into evidence-based and sustainable health solutions for people of all ages. At the same time, the company continues to embrace corporate social responsibility as a core mission, expanding charitable partnerships and community services.
By doing so, Sun Ten hopes that the wisdom of traditional herbal medicine will not only safeguard public health but also bring warmth, compassion, and care to every corner of society.
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