Organoids and Organoids-on-Chip in Traditional Chinese Medicine Research: Applications, Advantages, and Future Prospects

Modernizing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) requires preserving its foundational principles while integrating contemporary innovations and clarifying therapeutic methods. Organoids and organoids-on-chip technologies offer advanced models of human organs, and serve as an excellent platform for investigating TCM theories and complex herbal formulas. To systematically summarize recent progress in using organoids and organoids-on-chip in TCM research, and critically assess their technical advantages and future potential, relevant articles and information were sourced from scientific databases such as PubMed, SpringerLink, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and VIP. The application of organoids and organoids-on-chip technologies in TCM research encompasses theory interpretation, efficacy evaluation, mechanism elucidation, toxicity assessment, active ingredient screening, and formula optimization. These applications offer significant advantages, such as unveiling holistic effects, deciphering mechanistic bases through dynamic visualization approaches, and demonstrating personalized therapeutic benefits. Enhancing physiological relevance, automation, and intelligent applications are future development directions. Organoids and organoids-on-chip represent transformative tools for the modernization of TCM. Future advancements in vascularization, neural network development, and the integration of artificial intelligence are anticipated to address existing limitations, thereby enhancing physiological relevance and clinical translation. These advancements are expected to promote global acceptance and innovation in TCM.