A classic book on Tibetan medicine has been listed as national heritage, as China seeks to protect the endangered ethnic medicine.

The Four Volumes of Medicine (FVM) has been selected as part of China's national file and literature heritage, according to the regional Tibetan medicine hospital in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

The FVM, widely regarded as the most systematic and most complete book on Tibetan medicine, consists of 156 chapters. The classic was first published across Tibet in 1546, and has since become a prominent book in the ethnic medicine.

Yeshe Yangzom, head of the hospital, said the move is significant as it not only helps pass on historical heritage, but also raises public awareness of protection.

The regional government plans to apply for international heritage lists, including UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme, in an attempt to make Tibetan medicine more recognized and better protected.

With a history of more than 2,300 years, Tibetan medicine is one of China's most influential medical subjects. The country spent about 43 million yuan (6.9 million U.S. dollars) last year to help with its development.