Abstract: Objective To analyze the ancient and modern experience concerning medications with Bupleuri Radix and recent research progress in processed products of this drug based on the idea of “Tong Quan Da Bian” so as to provide reference for the study of the processing mechanism and processing technology of Bupleuri Radix. Methods The evolution of processing methods of Bupleuri Radix and the way in which Bupleuri Radix decoction pieces were used clinically were retrieved from such databases as Chinese Medical Classics and Duxiu. Based on literature review, the current research progress in a range of processed products of Bupleurum chinense was analyzed. Results According to the records of medical classics, the processed products of Bupleuri Radix were diverse, and there were considerable differences in the efficacy of different processed products: the effect of soothing the liver and relieving depression by vinegar Bupleuri Radix was enhanced while the property of elevating and dispersing qi was weakened; the effect of nourishing yin and reducing fever by Bupleuri Radix processed with trionyx blood was enhanced, and the property of floating yang was weakened; the effect of relieving rigidity of muscle, activating collaterals and pain relief was enhanced. Modern research has interpreted the connotations of different processed products of Bupleuri Radix to different extents, but there are still some problems, such as variations in processing technology and inconsistent quality standards. Conclusion Bupleuri Radix has been long used as a medicinal herb, with wide clinical applications and varieties of processed of products. It is urgent to conduct systematic research on the pharmacodynamic material basis and processing mechanism of different processed products, advance our understanding of the connotations of different processed products of Bupleuri Radix, standardize the processing technology and formulate better quality standards, provide processed products of Bupleuri Radix that are stable and controllable in quality and of different varieties for clinical use, and give full play to the clinical superiorities of Bupleuri Radix.

Key words: Bupleurum, processing, vinegar bupleurum, turtle blood bupleurum, processing technology, Tong Quan Da Bian