Discussion on the Investigation Idea of Quality Control of Chinese Materia Medica Based on Metabolomics Technology

Metabolomics is a new omics technology which is developed after the genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. Metabolomics has characteristics of integrity, systematization, and comprehensiveness which just coincide with the whole view, dynamic concept, and dialectic approach of the traditional Chinese medicine theories. This study reviews the application of metabolomics in effective material bases and quality evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica (CMM). An integral research idea of quality control has also been put forward on the basis of metabolomics technology because of the deficiency of current quality control methods in CMM. That is, the technology and methods of metabolomics are used to ascertain the effective material bases of CMM and factors affecting the metabolic change of chemical constituents in medicinal plant. Then, a quality control method can be established to ensure the safety and effectiveness of CMM in clinical practice.