The solution environment involved in the pharmaceutical process of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is complex, with components coexisting in multiple states—including molecular, ionic, aggregated, and composite forms. This leads to diverse mass transfer patterns during manufacturing and poses challenges in controlling the uniformity and stability of the final preparations. This review summarizes existing analytical techniques for characterizing component states. By establishing the correlation between component states and the solution environment, a confined mass transfer mathematical model is developed to quantitatively describe component states and association coefficients in complex TCM solutions. Combined with strategies for modulating the solution environment and ultrasonic-assisted delamination techniques, this approach provides a methodological framework for resolving supramolecular assemblies in TCM systems. Furthermore, based on the intrinsic relationship among production parameters, component states, and mass transfer behavior, a new concept for regulating TCM preparation processes is proposed, aiming to enhance the orderliness and controllability of TCM production.

Chinese medicine preparation  /  association  /  existence state  /  nanofiltration  /  quality control