[Processing of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen: evolution and research progress].

Ziziphi Spinosae Semen(ZSS), a precious bulk Chinese medicinal, has long been used for nourishing heart and tonifying liver, calming the heart and tranquilizing the mind. Based on materia medica records, medical classics, and relevant literature, this study summarized the evolution and development of the processing methods of ZSS, verified the purposes of ancient processing and efficacy of ZSS, checked whether the decoction pieces of ZSS had been included in national and provincial standards, and concluded the research progress on processing mechanism of ZSS. A total of 9 processing methods have been recorded, such as plain stir-frying and stir-frying with adjuvants.