Abstract: Given the complexity of the chemical components in traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and the uncertainty of their action mechanisms, the screening of bioactive components from TCMs by appropriate methods and the analysis of the basis of the pharmacodynamic substances remain a major challenge.In recent years, the bionic affinity recognition systems based on the targeting specificity of natural cell membranes have been proved to be an effective method for screening active compounds from TCMs.This technology has the capability to simulate the in vivo drug process in vitro, and offers distinct advantages in analyzing complex systems.As an emerging technology, it holds potential application prospects in the field of drug discovery.In this article, we reviewed the research progress of the membrane-based affinity recognition strategy for efficiently discovering bioactive compounds from TCMs.Additionally, the challenges and future development directions of membrane-based affinity recognition strategy were explored to provide ideas and references for the further improvements and applications of this technology.