Discussion on Current Research Status and Developmental Paths of Animal Models Based on "Pattern Identification by Formula"
10.13422/j.cnki.syfjx.20251413
- VernacularTitle:基于“以方测证”动物模型研究现状及发展路径探讨
- Author:
Lichong MENG
1
;
Ziyi WANG
2
;
Xiaoqian LIAO
1
;
Jiahao YE
1
;
Zhixi HU
1
Author Information
1. Hunan University of Chinese Medicine， Changsha 410208， China
2. Guang'anmen Hospital， China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences， Beijing 100053， China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
pattern identification by formula;
animal models;
disease-pattern combination;
research progress;
formula-pattern correspondence
- From:
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae
2026;32(19):269-278
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
"Pattern identification by formula" originates from the formula-pattern correspondence theory in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， with its core being the reverse inference of the pattern attributes of models through pharmacodynamic responses after formula intervention. With the advancement of TCM modernization， stable and reliable pattern models have become an important bridge connecting basic research and clinical practice， and "pattern identification by formula" has provided a feasible approach to enhance the authenticity and clinical translational value of these models. In recent years， notable progress has been achieved in its application to single-pattern models （such as phlegm-stasis pattern， Yang deficiency pattern， and spleen-Qi deficiency pattern） as well as disease-pattern combination models involving the respiratory， digestive， circulatory， and nervous systems. It has not only verified the pattern attributes of the models but also revealed the pattern differentiation regularity of "different diseases with the same pattern" and "the same pattern treated with different formulas". On this basis， this study further conducts a commonality analysis of pattern models， summarizes them into two major categories （deficiency patterns and excess patterns）， and embodies the pathological connotation of "deficiency results from essence-Qi consumption， and excess arises from pathogen abundance". This not only reveals the internal connections between different models but also provides a basis for the summary of formula-pattern rules and research on pattern standardization. However， current studies still suffer multiple problems such as non-standardized naming of patterns， lack of rationality in modeling methods， simplified design of control experiments， and insufficient description of macroscopic patterns in evaluation indicators， which affect the scientific rigor and reproducibility of the research. Future research needs to promote the unification of nomenclature and evaluation criteria of patterns， optimize modeling methods， strengthen the design of control experiments， and establish a multi-dimensional model evaluation system integrating macro- and micro-level indicators. This aims to improve the rigor and strength of evidence for "pattern identification by formula" studies， strengthen interdisciplinary integration and clinical feedback， and promote the development of TCM pattern models towards standardization and scientification. This study not only provides theoretical reference and methodological support for improving the system of TCM pattern animal models but also offers an important pathway for the experimental interpretation and modernization of TCM theories.
