Affinity chromatography is a method using the specific affinity adsorption between biological molecules and surface-ligand of affinity chromatography stationary phase for selective separation of biomolecules.It has been widely used for separation

detection or study among the target molecules of complex samples with the advantages of high selective

high recovery efficiency and high purity.Affinity chromatography has become a very important method in natural medicine research gradually. The commonly used categories consist of immunoaffinity chromatography

lectin affinity chromatography

cell membrane chromatography

immobilized metal affinity chromatography

molecular imprinting

dye ligands affinity chromatography

aptamer affinity chromatography

affinity membrane chromatography and frontal affinity chromatography. The applications in natural medicine research of the main categories of affinity chromatography

the types and the preparations and choice methods of ligands are introduced in this review

and its application is prospected as well.