RESUMO
Scientifically elucidating the mode of action of Chinese medicine has become an urgent challenge to Chinese medicine researchers.Opinions on the mode of Chinese medicine effect are active.The scientific hypothesis that additive effect is the key mode of action for Chinese medicine,trigger the scholars and experts in pharmacology field of Chinese medicine to think and contend.The opinion of additive effect provides a new interpretation for mode of action and action characteristics of Chinese medicine.It plays a positive role in the development of pharmacology of Chinese medicine.According to current research results of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and clinical cases,this paper made further thinking and summary on the key mode of action for Chinese medicine.The summary is as follows.The diversity of Chinese medicine structure and complexity of Chinese medicine targets determine the complicated mode of action of Chinese medicine.Mode of action for Chinese medicine is complex and variable,which is to adapt to changes in the environment.The genetic diversity of the body receptors due to evolution and the diversity of Chinese medicine and biological complex network control system have determined that a single component of Chinese medicine is more likely to act synergistically by targeting on different targets.From the point of view of Monarch,Minister,Assistant and Guide theory of Chinese medicine,additive effect has limitation.Therefore,just using additive effect is unable to fully explain the Chinese medicine compatible regularity of Monarch,Minister,Assistant and Guide theory.Additive effect is one of action types for Chinese medicine.It is worth to consider if there has any other more important action type for Chinese medicine.