Property theory of herbal medicines is the key part and the soul of Chinese material medica theory. Four properties of the traditional Chinese medicine is the core content of drug property theory of traditional Chinese materia medica(TCMM). For the past few years

the study of property has attracted high degree of attention increasingly. Although a few of achievements have been obtained in biological effect and material structure

a great breakthrough is still being expected.In this article

the status of of the four properties for the TCMM are analysed from four aspects such as theory research

clinical research

biological effect research

method and pathway research. The existing problems are identified and the potential preferential methods and pathways are raised.