中药“辨状论质”理论的发展与应用

Development and application of"quality evaluation through character identification"theory in traditional Chinese medicine

“辨状论质”是对传统中药品质鉴别经验精髓的概括,是现行中药质量评价体系的重要组成部分,在中药质量控制与评价中发挥着理论指南的作用。传统的“辨状”倚重经验,存在主观性强、量化难、重复性差等问题,现代测量工具及仿生技术可实现中药外观性状(形、色、气、味)数据化表达,将其量化结果与中药有效成分的含量或生物效应相关联,利用现代科学手段的可视化、可量化、便携化及可重复化的“四化”来“论质”,筛选可行可控的质控指标,应用于中药材生产加工各个环节的质量评价与控制。从“辨状论质”的起源与内涵、现代研究进展及其应用价值3个方面进行综述,以期为解决传统“辨状”方法的短板,扩大“辨状论质”的应用范围,促进中药品质评价体系的建设提供参考。

"Quality evaluation through identification"(QECI)is a theory that summarizes the essence of quality identification experience about traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).As an important component of the current quality evaluation system of TCM,the theory provides theoretical guidance for controlling and evaluating TCM’s quality.Identifying based on human senses,traditional appearance identification relies on experience,which is subjective,difficult to quantify,and poorly repeatable.Modern measurement tools and biomimetic technology can quantify appearance characters(shape,color,smell,taste)of TCM.Then associate the results with content of active ingredients or biological effects.Make use of the visualization,quantifiability,portability,and repeatability of modern scientific means and screen feasible and controllable quality control indicators,which can be applied to quality evaluation and control of TCM’s production and processing in each stage.The origin,connotation,modern research progress,and application value of QECI are reviewed,aiming to provide reference for addressing the shortcomings of traditional appearance evaluation,expanding the application scope of QECI,and promoting the construction of TCM’s quality evaluation system.