Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)is clinically characterized by insulin resistance,ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenemia,often accompanied by obesity,type 2 diabetes,and dyslipidemia.This article reviews the recent studies on the intervention of PCOS with herbal medicines,including traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)compound formulas and single active compounds.The results demonstrate that both TCM compound formulas and single active compounds are effective on improving PCOS symptoms,with the advantages of multi-target actions and personalized treatment.TCM compound formulas for PCOS can be categorized into kidney-tonifying formulas(e.g.,Antai Fanglou Decoction,Gui Zhu Yikun Formula,Liuwei Dihuang Pills,Bushen Huayu Formula),phlegm-resolving formulas(e.g.,Cang Fu Daotan Decoction,Erchen Decoction),liver-soothing formulas(e.g.,Xiaoyao San,Shaoyao Gancao Decoction),and blood-activating formulas(e.g.,Jiawei Shaoyao Gancao Decoction,Gexia Zhuyu Decoction,Huayu Xiaozheng Decoction).These compound formulas separately exhibit actions of tonifying kidney essence,soothing liver and relieving depression,and activating blood circulation to resolve stasis,which are aligned with the TCM etiology and pathogenesis of PCOS.Single active compounds from herbal medicine primarily include flavonoids,alkaloids,terpenoids and polyphenols.Extractives from herbal medicines exert therapeutic effects by inhibiting ovarian inflammatory responses and relieveing hyperandrogenemia insulin resistance.Key signaling pathways for the intervention of PCOS with TCM include PI3K/AKT/mTOR,SIRT1/AMPK,TLR4/NF-κB,IRS1/PI3K/GLUT4,RIP1/RIP3/MLKL,HMGB1/RAGE,and Hippo-YAP.The review of recent advances in TCM formulas and single active compounds for the treatment of PCOS along with their underlying mechanisms will provide valuable insights for clinical management and new drug development for PCOS.