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Background: Yu Ping Feng San (YPFS) is an herbal formula within the traditional Chinese medicine formulary, which is indicated for improving immunity. According to the classical texts, it consolidates resistance to protect against invasion by exterior pathogens. The purpose of this paper is to review the immunological effects of Yu Ping Feng San based on experimental and clinical studies. Methods: Literature searches were conducted in three electronic databases: PubMed, CQVIP (a Chinese scientific periodical database) and Google scholar. All the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that were published and used YPFS as an intervention from 1990 to March, 2007, were retrieved for this review. Uncontrolled trials, cases series and case reports were excluded. This review is limited to articles in Chinese and English language. Results: Nine RCTs were identified. The studies were on Allergic Rhinitis (n=2), Asthma (n=1), Bronchitis (n=1), Pneumonia (n=1), Nephrotic Syndrome (n=2), Urticaria (n=1), and Shingles (n=1). Out of these nine, there were five studies on respiratory system diseases, two studies on renal diseases, and two studies on dermatological diseases. Conclusion: YPFS, when used alone or integrated with western medicine, enhanced immune function and increased the treatment effectiveness in certain respiratory, urinary, and dermatological conditions. Additionally, it also decreased the relapse rate and the occurrence of side effects due to conventional Western treatment. However, more rigorous trials are needed to interpret the therapeutic actions of YPFS more accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]