The nature and taste theory is both the important component of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) system and the core element of TCM herbal system. It plays a guiding role in the selection of the optimized herbs in the TCM clinical application. To further uncover the modern connotation of the nature and taste theory

grants in this regard have been set by Ministry of Science and Technology

State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and National Natural Science Foundation of China. The current situation of four natures and five tastes of the Chinese herbs was systemically reviewed from the aspects of its biological effects and ingredients based on the articles related to the study of herbal natures published in the recent 20 years. In this paper

the authors put forward the disadvantages and problems around the herb natures study combined with the recent findings and experience accumulated in the process of the herb natures study conducted in the authors' lab. This review will pave the way for the further study of four natures and five tastes of the Chinese herbs.