김미경 (Inje University)

Young Beom Kwak (Inje University)

김미경 (Inje University)

Ga Young Bae (Inje University)

Jang Mi Han (Inje University)

Young Beom Kwak (Inje University)

Artemisia capillaris Thunb., widely utilized for the treatment of hepatobiliary diseases such as jaundice and hepatitis, faces limitations in conventional quality assessment, which predominantly relies on high-content markers rather than therapeutic evidence. This review delineates the analytical evolution from early reversed-phase HPLC to high-sensitivity HPLC-UV methods capable of multi-component detection at the ng/mL level, and evaluates the integration of Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) for the resolution of complex regioisomers like neochlorogenic acid. Furthermore, it analyzes the advancements in state-of-the-art in vivo UPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS platforms that elucidate systemic exposure pathways by tracking absorbed active components—such as geniposide and rhein—within complex biological matrices. In particular, these MS-tracked metabolites are discussed in conjunction with multi-target molecular mechanisms and network pharmacology studies that support hepatobiliary protection, bile acid homeostasis, and anti-inflammatory pathways. Ultimately, by bridging cutting-edge MS workflows with pharmacokinetic-target alignment, this review establishes rational criteria for selecting valid quality markers (Q-markers), providing a strategic framework to enhance the therapeutic reproducibility of herbal medicine standardization.

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