Figures (7)  Tables (2)
    • Figure 1. 

      Morphological characteristics of Paeonia. (a) Shoot of Paeonia ostii. (b) Bud of Paeonia ostii. (c) Flower of Paeonia ostii.

    • Figure 2. 

      The applications of plants from the genus Paeonia. (a) Applications in daily life. (b) Effects on human health.

    • Figure 3. 

      Core structures of monoterpenes and their glycosides, and the chemical structures of Compounds 1−56 from Paeonia.

    • Figure 4. 

      Triterpenoid glycosides in Paeonia.

    • Figure 5. 

      Core structures of acetophenone compounds in Paeonia.

    • Figure 6. 

      Organic acids in Paeonia.

    • Figure 7. 

      Tannins glycosides in Paeonia.

    • Core regulatory pathways Associated Q-markers Targets/mechanisms of action Corresponding diseases
      NF-κB pathway Paeoniflorin, paeonol, and flavonoids Inhibiting NF-κB activation and reducing the release of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6) Rheumatoid arthritis, skin inflammation
      PI3K/Akt pathway Paeoniflorin, triterpenoids Regulating PI3K/Akt phosphorylation, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, and promoting osteoblast differentiation Hepatocellular carcinoma, osteoporosis
      Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway Paeoniflorin, paeonol Regulating the activity of p38/JNK/ERK1/2, enhancing macrophage phagocytic function, and inhibiting myocardial fibrosis Immunodeficiency, cardiovascular diseases

      Table 1. 

      Core Q-marker-mediated pathways, mechanisms, and associated diseases of Paeonia.

    • Analysis and comparisonTLCHPLCUPLC-MS/MS
      Core principleDepending on the differences in the partition coefficients of compounds between the stationary phase and the mobile phase, separation is achieved.Depending on the differences in the interactions of compounds with the stationary phase and the mobile phase in the chromatographic column, high-efficiency separation is achieved.Depending on the ultrahigh separation efficiency of ultrahihg performance liquid chromatography and the high sensitivity, high selectivity, and structural analysis capability of tandem mass spectrometry
      Main application levelBasic qualitative preliminary screeningMulticomponent quantitative analysis routine quality controlPrecise identification and traceability analysis of complex systems
      Dissociation efficiencyLowHighUltrahigh
      Detection sensitivityLowHighUltrahigh
      Main detection objectivesSeveral key markers (such as Paeonia lactiflora glycosides, paeonol)Multiple target componentsBroad-spectrum screening, trace/unknown substance identification, complex metabolite analysis, characteristic metabolic profiling
      Quantitative capabilityLimitedStrongExtremely strong
      AdvantageSimple, rapid, and economical, suitable for preliminary screeningDissociation good; quantitative accuracy; polydactyly standards can establish fingerprint profilesPowerful identification of Broussonetia papyrifera, with great potential for resolving complex systems and integrating omics approaches.
      LimitationsLow resolution, limited sensitivity, inaccurate quantification, and insufficient information contentLimited analytical capability for difficult-to-dissociate substances or trace substancesComplex operation, high development requirements, and high operating costs

      Table 2. 

      Comparison of quality control methods.