Based on the related literature and articles home and abroad, we reviewed effective composite and mechanism of action of single Chinese medical herb and its extract that improves insulin resistance. A large number of clinical studies and animal experiments proved that many traditional Chinese medicines and its extract have good effect in improving insulin resistance. The effective ingredients are mainly flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, polysaccharides, etc.; the mechanism of action of insulin resistance include stimulating insulin by beta cells, increasing insulin receptor number and insulin sensitivity, inhibiting the secretion of insulin antagonistic material and promoting glucose degradation, thus ultimately improve the effect of IR.