RESUMEN
Objective: To apply fuzzy clustering analysis to determination of 10 inorganic elements and Cu/Zn ratio in 13 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine cured for vascular disease. Methods: By FAAS (flame atomic absorption spectrometry) sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, chromium, nickel, manganese, copper and zinc were determined. By range analysis, correlation coefficients and relative fuzzy matrix were calculated.Results: Correlation coeffieients ? were mostly in the range of 0.55～0.80, especially ?=0.95 between Buzhangnaoxintong Capsule and Xinbao Pill. Conclusion: On condition that trace and macro elements are relatively rich and clustering correlation coefficients are larger, therapentic effects among traditional Chinese medicines cured for vascular disease are also similar. This suggests that trace elements, macro elements and Cu/Zn ratio have much to do with therapeutic effect.