Abstract: Objective To analyze the composition principles of prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment of cerebral small vessel disease. Methods We searched the modern clinical literature of cerebral small vessel disease treated by TCM and Chinese Journal Full-test databases, China Science and Technology Journal Database and China Science Periodical Database from journals during database establishment time to January 2021 and analyzed by association rules analysis, complex system entropy clustering and unsupervised entropy hierarchical clustering with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Support System (V2.5). Results A total of 95 prescriptions were collected for the treatment of cerebral small vessel disease. Thirty-two herbs were used more than 10 times in prescription. 4 new prescriptions were formed by further clustering. Conclusion Traditional Chinese medicine treatment for cerebral small vessel disease should be therapy elimination of evils and the restoration of healthy. While the treatment of cerebral small vessel disease is based on activating blood circulation, removing blood stasis, and dredging collaterals, at the same time, we should also pay attention to the use of supportive medicines such as tonifying the kidney and benefiting the Qi.

Key words: cerebral small vessel disease, Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Support System, composition principles of prescriptions, Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy