The research in the group of Yang involves the fields of natural products, medicinal chemistry and biochemistry research focused at the discovery and development of bioactive natural products and their analogs as clinical trials drug candidates.  Work is carried out to understand the relationship between bioactive constituents and therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine. Using basic natural products and medicinal chemistry principles coupled with modern technologies, including new analytical techniques, computational techniques, and mechanism of action or target-based medicinal chemistry research evaluation methods, the group works towards discovery and development of potential therapeutic drugs and functional foods.