To review the intestinal tract metabolism research methods and intestinal flora metabolism of Chinese medicine

its gives the reference for the Chinese medicine metabolism research. Literatures in recent years about the intestinal bacteria metabolic of Chinese medicine compositions have been summarized and analyzed. Currently

there are four aspects for intestinal bacteria metabolism research

and more studies on five types of Chinese medicines-flavonoids

saponins

alkaloids

anthraquinones and monoterpenes are developed. Chinese medicines were mainly biotransformated by intestinal micro-flora with hydrolysis

most glycosides were translated into aglycones which were easily be absorbed and utilized. Researches on intestinal drug metabolism have a guiding significance in combined Chinese and Western medicines used in clinical.Intestinal bacterial metabolism of Chinese medicine compositions researches help us to understand the mechanism of drug action

and promote the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine.