Scientists began comparative tests on the effects of a newly-developed traditional Chinese medicine and a Western medicine in treating drug addiction Sunday in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province.

The new medicine, Xuanxia capsules and adanon (or diaminon), was developed by ten universities and research institutes in China including the Xuanxia Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Beijing Medical University and Central-South China University in Hunan Province.

Scientists will compare the effects of the new medicine and adanon (or diaminon), a Western medicine widely used to treat drug addiction.

The tests were designed by a research center under the World Health Organization (WHO).

One hundred and twenty volunteers from across the world will participate in the tests at the Baiyun volunteer drug addiction treatment center, the largest one in Guangdong.

The clinical tests will last for one month.

(Xinhua News Agency May 16, 2005)