Metabolomics in medicinal plant research

Abstract

The metabolomic study of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and phytoextracts has been evaluated and is considered a useful and comprehensive strategy for assessing the integrated or combinatorial quality of herbal medicines. At present, several analytical platforms are employed, singularly and in combinations, to drive forward metabolomic research. These platforms include: gas chromatography (GC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. This chapter summarizes some of the metabolomic techniques most frequently used in phytomedicinal research against cancer, as well as the cytotoxic risks involved. We discuss the potential as well as the limitations of the various approaches. Multi-analyses techniques can partially overcome the shortcomings of single analysis-based techniques. With further development, especially in multi-analyses techniques, metabolomic studies are expected to advance TCM research in efficacy and toxicity, and to modernize TCM in terms of safety assessment and formulation, ultimately establishing the international standards to advance TCM laboratory research for the benefit of those at bedside.