ABSTRACT
Based on the previous theory of supramolecular “imprinting template”, the historical evolution and research status together with the generation of four properties of Chinese materia medica (CMM) were analyzed and summarized by using supramolecular chemistry theory: Human and Chinese medicine are giant complex supramolecular systems with the same “imprinting template”. Different types (heat and cold) of active ingredients (guest molecules) of CMM and humans (host molecules) in different states bonded by non-covalent, releasing (or absorbing) energy, which can correct the self-recognition, self-organization, self-assembly, and self-replication of the body’s basic supramolecular attacked by cold or heat, in order to make the body back to normal, in short the macroscopic manifestation was four properties of CMM. Thus, two methods were proposed for four properties of CMM including in vivo and in vitro ones, the former one includes physical internal energy method and host-guest separation and supramolecular polymer preparation; In vivo method includes biological thermal studies, animal behavioral observations, and body surface temperature observations. The supramolecular “imprinting template” theory is a key for studying four properties of CMM, the combination between supramolecular chemistry theory and traditional Chinese medicine theory will certainly become a powerful method to promote the modernization of CMM.