Unveiling secrets of traditional Chinese medicine: Cutting-edge techniques in component analysis

Chemical component analysis is a critical challenge in Chinese herbal medicine research, involving the qualitative and quantitative identification of complex constituents in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, traditional analytical methods are insufficient for efficient and comprehensive analysis of complex composition of TCM. Limitations exist in sample preparation, instrumental technology, data processing, and activity-related quality marker research. Recent advancements have significantly improved analytical precision, enabling more comprehensive profiling of TCM components. New pretreatment methods improve extraction efficiency and detection sensitivity, while novel instrumental technologies, such as mass spectrometry imaging, preserve spatial information lost in homogenization. AI enhances data interpretation, improving accuracy and efficiency. Online activity analysis links chemical composition with bioactivity, overcoming the limitations of purely chemical profiling and enabling a more comprehensive evaluation of TCM efficacy. This perspective provides an overview of the development trends in component analysis, aiming to advance the field and support TCM modernization.