Quantitative 1H NMR in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analyses: Methodologies and Applications

Quantitative 1H NMR (qNMR) is a versatile analytical tool that provides simultaneous structural and quantitative information without the need for analyte-specific standards. This review summarizes its key methodological fundamentals and broad applications in both pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis. In drug analysis, qNMR enables content determination and purity assessment of small molecules, polysaccharides and glycoconjugates, synthetic polymers, and complex herbal medicines. In biomedical analysis, it serves as a powerful platform for metabolomics profiling, real-time monitoring of cellular processes, and absolute quantification of metabolites in biofluids and tissues. Recent and emerging technological advancements, including hyperpolarization, quantum mechanical spectral analysis, artificial intelligence, and deep learning, hold great promise for further enhancing sensitivity, resolving power, and automation. With ongoing integration into pharmacopoeial standards and regulatory frameworks, qNMR is poised to expand its role in both routine quality control and cutting-edge biomedical research.