Current quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) primarily focuses on chemical composition analysis, neglecting the interactions among components. The phase of TCM is an ordered combination formed by different or identical components through intermolecular forces, serving as a crucial form for TCM efficacy and a vital supplement to its quality assessment. It reflects the characteristic of multiple components synergistically exerting pharmacological effects. This article systematically reviewed the importance of TCM phase in quality evaluation. We summarized the formation mechanisms and research methods of TCM phase, as well as their roles in reducing toxicity and enhancing efficacy. Furthermore, we discussed the research strategies for screening active phases, characterization approaches, and potential challenges, providing a theoretical basis for transitioning TCM quality evaluation from a composition-based perspective to a “chemistry-structure-function integrated” model.

quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine  /  phase  /  self-assembly  /  supramolecule  /  quality markers