OBJECTIVETo study the feasibility of applying the Bron-Kerbosch (BK) algorithm on the discovery of basic formulas (BFs) of traditional Chinese medicine.

METHODThis essay introduces the BK algorithm for the discovery of BFs of traditional Chinese medicine and relevant indicators. On the basis of the compatibility network of drugs, with the confidence coefficient of basic formulas anti the support degree to the decline of alpha level as indicators, the BK algorithm was used for the discovery of BFs of traditional Chinese medicine. And prescriptions of Professor Ma Shaoyao, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dermatologist of Longhua hospital, were taken as examples for analysis.

RESULTAfter the parameters were optimized, three BFs for psoriasis and four BFs for eczema were found using the BK algorithm, which had a relatively high confidence coefficient and basically conformed to the clinical practices.

CONCLUSIONThe BK algorithm can be used for the discovery of basic formulas (BF) of traditional Chinese medicine, and therefore it is one of the effective methods to study and summarize the diagnosis and treatment experiences and prescription thoughts of famous and experienced TCM doctors.