Objective: To overview the comparative studies between single-decoction and mixed-decoction of Chinese medicine. Method : The literatures which comparative studied the similarities and differences between single-and mixed-decoction of the chinese medicine collected by Wangfang data

VIP information and CNKI in 2001-2010 were analized. Result : The comparative studies between single-and mixed-decoction of Chinese Medicine related mainly to five areas: chemical composition

pharmacokinetics

pharmacodynamics and clinical efficacy

the medicine including single herbs

drug pairs and compounds

the related chemical composition included the index components and the effective components

one or more pharmacological effects and the diseases were observed; and the chemical compositions

effects and clinical effect increased and decreased both in single-and mixed-decoction

the mechanisms and related factors of the different chemical compositions in single-and mixed-decoction are very complicated

drug metabolism

efficacy and clinical application show both similarities and differences too. Conclusion : Using some quantitative active ingredients

pharmacological effects or efficacy for treating diseases

the comparative evaluation between single-and mixed-decoction is insufficient. The comparative studies on single-and mixed-decoction of Chinese medicine is not suitable for evaluation the traditional decoction and the Chinese medicine dispensing granule. The different formulations of drugs should be evaluated by the pharmacological equivalence

bioequivalence or clinical non-inferiority/ superiority researches

the current research reflects these trends.