Study of combination methods for formula composition of Chinese herbal medicines and their components

Chinese prescription is composed of Chinese herbal medicines according to "seven compatible relations" and "sovereign, minister, assistant and courier" principles. There are many methods in the research on combination and composition of Chinese herbal medicines. These methods are classified into traditional model and modern model. For the time being, compatibility study of traditional Chinese herbal medicines has developed from traditional model to modern model. The traditional model mainly studies the effects and mechanisms of the whole and split formulae in medical crude drug level, while the modern model mainly studies the effects and mechanisms of Chinese herbal medicine compositions in components combination level. Moreover, quantitative analysis becomes probable by modern model method. Now, setting up of new components combination model and optimal composition methods will not only develop the combination and the composition of Chinese herbal medicines from medicinal crude drug level to components composition level, but also get new formulae which have clear components and effects, and action targets and mechanisms. It will effectively promote the development of Chinese medicine formula.