Carbon dots (CDs) are a novel type of fluorescent nanoparticles with a particle size smaller than 10 nm. They possess several advantageous properties, including excellent biocompatibility, light stability, water solubility, and low toxicity. CDs have been widely researched in recent years. As a treasure of ancient Chinese science, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is rich in various active ingredients and has a variety of pharmacodynamic effects, which have been used for thousands of years. TCM-CDs prepared with TCM as carbon source can create some special functions and then may play a greater medicinal value. The purpose of this review was to engage in an in-depth conversation about the use of TCM-CDs in medical therapy and bioimaging. Firstly, this study provides a comprehensive exploration of different synthesis methods for TCM-CDs, comparing their respective advantages and disadvantages. Subsequently, the intrinsic pharmacological activity of TCMCDs, encompassing antibacterial, hypoglycemic, hemostatic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects, is mainly discussed, alongside their underlying mechanisms of action. Additionally, investigations into in vitro imaging of diverse cell types and the distribution and uptake of TCM-CDs under in vivo imaging guidance are presented. Finally, the significance of TCM-CD research, key challenges and issues within this field, and future directions for development are summarized and outlined.

Synthesis, applications in therapeutics, and bioimaging of traditional Chinese medicine-derived carbon dots
    Abstract
        Graphical abstract
    1 Introduction
    2 Synthesis of carbon dots in traditional Chinese medicine
        2.1 Hydrothermal method
        2.2 High-temperature pyrolysis method
        2.3 Solvothermal method
        2.4 Microwave-assisted method
    3 Application of carbon dots in traditional Chinese medicine for medical treatment
        3.1 Antibacterial action
        3.2 Hypoglycemic
        3.3 Hemostasis
        3.4 Antitumor
        3.5 Anti-gout
        3.6 Analgesic and anti-inflammatory
        3.7 Antioxidant
        3.8 Antiviral
    4 Carbon dots in traditional Chinese medicine in biological imaging
    5 Summary and outlook
    6 Chemicals
    Acknowledgements 
    References

• Susu Guo(Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China)
• Ran Zhang(Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China)
• Yingyu Liu(Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China)
• Qingmei Zhang(Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan 030024, Shanxi, China)
• Xiaoming Liu(Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China)
• Xiuping Wu(Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China)
• Bing Li(Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China) Corresponding author