Development of novel translational research technologies and approaches, including reliable methods, metrics, protocols, and outcome measures, are of central importance for successful CAM research. There has long been a huge disconnect between clinical studies and preclinical studies including authentication, quality control, pharmacology, and toxicology of CAM agents. Effective research approaches, such as omics sciences, help facilitate cross-study comparisons of outcome, the conduct of systematic evidence-based assessments, and the translation of promising research results into practice, policy, and guidelines. We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles that will stimulate the continuing efforts in this exciting field, highlighting the accomplishments of (as well as challenges for) ongoing translational strategies and approaches used for CAM research with a focus on herbal medicine, nutrition, and dietary intervention. We are particularly interested in articles describing the new modalities for clinical characterization of cancer and chronic/metabolic diseases and measuring outcomes from CAM trials, advances in the application of omics sciences and bioinformatics leading to the development of novel biomarkers, molecular diagnostics, and patient stratification or treatment evaluation strategies, and new insights into CAM interventions that will contribute to an improved understanding of mechanisms, pharmacological variabilities, and potential toxicities of the CAM treatments. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Translational research on mechanisms of the CAM treatments
• Novel CAM approaches with strong scientific evidence
• Latest technologies for CAM evaluation and measuring outcomes
• CAM clinical trials using validated markers and/or validated, relevant, and well-characterized outcome measures
• Recent development in omics technologies for assessment of CAM interventions
• Reviews and commentaries addressing issues involved in regulatory policies on promoting the translation of discoveries in CAM research, and practical models of translational research, public-private partnerships, and resource sharing.