Mass spectrometry-based metabolomic as a powerful tool to unravel the component and mechanism in TCM

Abstract Mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics has emerged as a transformative tool to unraveling components and their mechanisms in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The integration of advanced analytical platforms, such as LC–MS and GC–MS, coupled with metabolomics, has propelled the qualita...

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Main Authors: Guang-Qin Liao, Hong-Mei Tang, Yuan-Di Yu, Li-Zhi Fu, Shuang-Jiao Li, Mai-Xun Zhu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-05-01
Series:Chinese Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-025-01112-2
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author Guang-Qin Liao
Hong-Mei Tang
Yuan-Di Yu
Li-Zhi Fu
Shuang-Jiao Li
Mai-Xun Zhu
author_facet Guang-Qin Liao
Hong-Mei Tang
Yuan-Di Yu
Li-Zhi Fu
Shuang-Jiao Li
Mai-Xun Zhu
author_sort Guang-Qin Liao
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics has emerged as a transformative tool to unraveling components and their mechanisms in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The integration of advanced analytical platforms, such as LC–MS and GC–MS, coupled with metabolomics, has propelled the qualitative and quantitative characterization of TCM’s complex components. This review comprehensively examines the applications of MS-based metabolomics in elucidating TCM efficacy, spanning chemical composition analysis, molecular target identification, mechanism-of-action studies, and syndrome differentiation. Recent innovations in functional metabolomics, spatial metabolomics, single-cell metabolomics, and metabolic flux analysis have further expanded TCM research horizons. Artificial intelligence (AI) and bioinformatics integration offer promising avenues for overcoming analytical bottlenecks, enhancing database standardization, and driving interdisciplinary breakthroughs. However, challenges remain, including the need for improved data processing standardization, database expansion, and understanding of metabolite-gene-protein interactions. By addressing these gaps, metabolomics can bridge traditional practices and modern biomedical research, fostering global acceptance of TCM. This review highlights the synergy of advanced MS techniques, computational tools, and TCM’s holistic philosophy, presenting a forward-looking perspective on its clinical translation and internationalization.
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spelling doaj-art-be87da8a7e824d11ada9a75a53fc3b2c2025-08-20T03:07:54ZengBMCChinese Medicine1749-85462025-05-0120112010.1186/s13020-025-01112-2Mass spectrometry-based metabolomic as a powerful tool to unravel the component and mechanism in TCMGuang-Qin Liao0Hong-Mei Tang1Yuan-Di Yu2Li-Zhi Fu3Shuang-Jiao Li4Mai-Xun Zhu5Chongqing Academy of Animal SciencesChongqing Academy of Animal SciencesNational Center of Technology Innovation for PigsChongqing Academy of Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesChongqing Academy of Animal SciencesAbstract Mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics has emerged as a transformative tool to unraveling components and their mechanisms in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The integration of advanced analytical platforms, such as LC–MS and GC–MS, coupled with metabolomics, has propelled the qualitative and quantitative characterization of TCM’s complex components. This review comprehensively examines the applications of MS-based metabolomics in elucidating TCM efficacy, spanning chemical composition analysis, molecular target identification, mechanism-of-action studies, and syndrome differentiation. Recent innovations in functional metabolomics, spatial metabolomics, single-cell metabolomics, and metabolic flux analysis have further expanded TCM research horizons. Artificial intelligence (AI) and bioinformatics integration offer promising avenues for overcoming analytical bottlenecks, enhancing database standardization, and driving interdisciplinary breakthroughs. However, challenges remain, including the need for improved data processing standardization, database expansion, and understanding of metabolite-gene-protein interactions. By addressing these gaps, metabolomics can bridge traditional practices and modern biomedical research, fostering global acceptance of TCM. This review highlights the synergy of advanced MS techniques, computational tools, and TCM’s holistic philosophy, presenting a forward-looking perspective on its clinical translation and internationalization.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-025-01112-2Mass spectrometryMetabolomicsTraditional Chinese medicineComponent analysisMechanism
spellingShingle Guang-Qin Liao
Hong-Mei Tang
Yuan-Di Yu
Li-Zhi Fu
Shuang-Jiao Li
Mai-Xun Zhu
Mass spectrometry-based metabolomic as a powerful tool to unravel the component and mechanism in TCM
Chinese Medicine
Mass spectrometry
Metabolomics
Traditional Chinese medicine
Component analysis
Mechanism
title Mass spectrometry-based metabolomic as a powerful tool to unravel the component and mechanism in TCM
title_full Mass spectrometry-based metabolomic as a powerful tool to unravel the component and mechanism in TCM
title_fullStr Mass spectrometry-based metabolomic as a powerful tool to unravel the component and mechanism in TCM
title_full_unstemmed Mass spectrometry-based metabolomic as a powerful tool to unravel the component and mechanism in TCM
title_short Mass spectrometry-based metabolomic as a powerful tool to unravel the component and mechanism in TCM
title_sort mass spectrometry based metabolomic as a powerful tool to unravel the component and mechanism in tcm
topic Mass spectrometry
Metabolomics
Traditional Chinese medicine
Component analysis
Mechanism
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-025-01112-2
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