Abstract: Based on data from the National Natural Science Foundation of China（NSFC） projects funded in the field of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica（CMM） from 2005 to 2019,this study evaluates the research competitiveness of the discipline from the perspective of research funding input.An improved Scientific Research Competitiveness Index for Chinese Materia Medica（SRCI-CMM） was constructed, and 45 universities and research institutes participating in the fourth round of national discipline assessment were selected as research samples.The study analyzes the funding status, competitiveness level, and deve-lopment trends of CMM research.Results show that NSFC funding in the field of CMM experienced rapid growth followed by steady development during 2005—2019.The SRCI-CMM values indicate a continuous improvement in research competitiveness across the 45 institutions.However, regional disparities persist, with stronger competitiveness concentrated mainly in eastern and northern coastal regions.The mean and coefficient of variation of SRCI-CMM across institutions suggest a gradual trend toward balanced competitiveness among different institutional tiers.