Advanced development of chromatography in screening and identification of effective compounds in Chinese materia medica

Screening and identification of effective compounds in Chinese materia medica is the key for its quality control, which is critical for ensuring the safety and efficacy in clinic. Herein, the advanced development of chromatography in screening and identification of effective compounds in Chinese materia medica since 2000 was reviewed based on the strategies of chemical characteristics, drug targets and integrating chemical analysis and pharmacological assay. The prospect of chromatography in this field was also discussed.