Application of patch-clamp technique in traditional Chinese medicine: a visual analysis of relevant literature

• A total of 819 articles and 968 authors were included, with the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine and Harbin Medical University being the most prolific institutions in Chinese and English databases, respectively. • The application of patch-clamp technique in traditional Chinese medicine primarily focuses on cardiovascular electrophysiology, pharmacology of Chinese materia medica, and nervous system electrophysiology. • The field exhibits an evolutionary trajectory from basic mechanisms to target deepening and clinical translation, indicating a shift from a single technical tool to a multidisciplinary platform. • Current research faces challenges such as limited author influence and insufficient cross-regional collaboration, suggesting the need for multi-technique integration and interdisciplinary approaches.