articleChinese MedicineJan 8, 2026GOLD OA

The scientific basis of synergy in traditional Chinese medicine: physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic perspectives

Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefdoajpubmed

Abstract

Traditional Chinese medicine, with millennia of history, demonstrates significant therapeutic efficacy against diverse diseases. A key characteristic of traditional Chinese medicine lies in the use of compound formulas-multi-herb concoctions that enhance efficacy and mitigate toxicity. The synergy within these formulas arises fundamentally from interactions among multiple active components. Recently, growing experimental studies have aimed to elucidate the scientific principles underlying synergy in traditional Chinese medicine. By reviewing literature over the past 30 years, this review summarizes that traditional Chinese medicine synergy manifests primarily through three key mechanisms: physicochemical…

Citation impact

6
total citations
FWCI
163.43
Percentile
100%
References
137
Too recent for citation history.

Authors

7

Topics & keywords

Keywords
  • Traditional Chinese medicine
  • Alternative medicine
  • Pharmacodynamics
  • Foundation (evidence)
  • Key (lock)
  • Clinical Practice
No related works found for this paper.

Funding