Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Based Metabolomics-A Rising Star in Traditional Chinese Medicine Research

Metabolomics, a promising field in the realm of omics, focuses on the investigation of alterations and patterns in the composition and abundance of metabolites generated by organisms under perturbation, directly linking measurable chemical reactions with biological events. Its research philosophy aligns harmoniously with the holistic perspective and syndrome differentiation and treatment principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Consequently, metabolomics has garnered unparalleled attention and has been widely applied in various fields of TCM research such as disease diagnosis, effective constituents and mechanism related with efficacy. In recent years, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics, a non-destructive testing technique, has played a crucial role in metabolomics research, owing to its exceptional repeatability, stability, and advantages in qualitative and quantitative aspects. Through reviewing relevant literature in recent years, this article provides a comprehensive analysis of the fundamental principles of NMR metabolomics technology and its utilization in TCM. Additionally, it examines the challenges encountered in this field and explores potential future development trends, aiming to offer substantial support for further investigations in the realm of TCM metabolomics.