[Research progress on structural characterization and pharmacological mechanisms of supramolecular aggregates in traditional Chinese medicine decoctions].

The investigations on pharmacodynamic material basis of traditional Chinese medicine have focused primarily on free compounds, while overlooking the complex interactions among active constituents. In recent years, it has been revealed that active constituents can self-assemble into supramolecular aggregates through non-covalent interactions during the decoction process, providing a new perspective for elucidating the pharmacodynamic material basis of traditional Chinese medicine. This study systematically reviewed the separation and purification methods and structural characterization techniques for supramolecular aggregates, explored their self-assembly mechanisms in depth, and summarized the pharmacological mechanisms. Finally, it examined the limitations of existing studies in terms of separation technologies, self-assembly mechanisms and in vivo metabolism, and proposed future research directions,with the aim of providing a reference for further in-depth research, development and utilization of supramolecular aggregates in traditional Chinese medicine.