Assoc. Prof. Dr. Li-Na Gao | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Li-Na Gao, Jining Medical University, China
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Li-Na Gao is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of British Columbia and an academic leader at Jining Medical University, China. Her research focuses on neuropsychopharmacology and anti-inflammatory immune pharmacology of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). She has led multiple research projects, published over 40 academic papers (H-index: 21, citations: 1,900+), and collaborates on innovative TCM drug development. Dr. Gao holds key editorial and professional memberships, contributing significantly to TCM research, particularly in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, inflammation, and gut-brain interaction. She has secured ¥1.04 million in research funding and actively promotes TCM modernization.
Profile
Early Academic Pursuits 
Dr. Li-Na Gao embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), leading her to become an esteemed researcher and educator in the field. Her passion for TCM and its applications in modern pharmacology inspired her to pursue advanced studies. After earning her Ph.D., she further honed her expertise as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of British Columbia. Her early academic years were marked by rigorous research into the pharmacological mechanisms of TCM, setting the stage for her later contributions to neuropsychopharmacology and inflammatory immune pharmacology.
Professional Endeavors 
Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Jining Medical University, Dr. Gao plays a crucial role in advancing the field of TCM. She has established herself as an academic leader in key TCM disciplines in Shandong Province. With her extensive background, she has been instrumental in mentoring students, conducting cutting-edge research, and collaborating with renowned institutions. Her work extends beyond academia, encompassing consultancy projects and significant contributions to the development of TCM-based treatments.
Contributions and Research Focus 
Dr. Gao’s research is primarily centered on the neuropsychopharmacology and inflammatory immune pharmacology of TCM. She has made significant contributions in the following areas:
- Heart, Brain, and Intestine Disease Correlation: She has explored the scientific underpinnings of TCM theories, such as “the heart dominates the mind, and the small intestine is exterior to interior.”
- Inflammatory Metabolic Damage and Depression: She has pioneered the understanding that inflammatory metabolic damage is a key pathological mechanism of depression and its co-occurrence with somatic diseases.
- Intestinal-Brain Communication: Her work has identified TLR4 as the critical “bridge molecule” in mediating inflammatory metabolic disorders, enhancing our understanding of gut-brain interactions.
- Secondary Development of TCM: She has provided significant insights into the mechanisms of Gegen Qinlian decoction, Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl., puerarin, and glycyrrhizic acid, thereby enhancing their applications in modern medicine.
Accolades and Recognition 
Dr. Gao has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to research and academia. She has published over 40 academic papers, boasting an H-index of 21 and more than 1,900 citations. Her editorial appointments include:
- Visiting Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Frontiers in Pharmacology (2021–Present)
- Youth Editorial Board Member of Acupuncture and Herb Medicine (2022–2024)
- Youth Editorial Board Member of Advanced Gut & Microbiome Research (2022–2023)
- Youth Editorial Board Member of Tianjin Traditional Chinese Medicine (2023–Present)
She has also been an integral part of major collaborative research projects, including a 1.04 million RMB-funded project on acute and chronic inflammatory diseases in cooperation with Rizhao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Impact and Influence 
Dr. Gao’s research has had a profound impact on the global TCM community. Her contributions extend beyond research papers and patents to shaping policies and educational curriculums. As a standing committee member of multiple prestigious organizations, she has influenced the standardization and modernization of TCM research. Her work in bridging the gap between traditional medicine and modern pharmacology has helped in integrating TCM into contemporary medical practices.
Publication Top Notes
Year: 2023
Year: 2023
Author: Ruhui Shen, Jian’an Wang, Yijin Zhao, Zhaojin Dang , Ke Zhang, Ming Li , Qian Yang , Li-Na Gao
Journal: Biological Molecules
Year: 2025
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