RESUMO
Q-marker of Chinese materia medica (CMM) is a latest proposed core concept of CMM quality evaluation and quality control. A wide range of relevant researches on the Q-marker have been carried out by science and technology workers since the concept was put forward. However, to date, most studies are still limited to Q-marker studies of single herbs and pieces and cannot fully reflect all the elements of the concept of Q-marker. In this paper, the scientific connotation of five elements and the principles, ideas and approaches for the discovery and determination of CMM Q-marker were systemically discussed from the perspectives of quality transmissibility and traceability, ingredient specificity, component validity, component measurability, and formula compatibility environment. Moreover, research approaches of Q-marker of CMM formula based on “five principles” were proposed. The examples of representative researches provide a systematic research idea and reference for the research and discovery of CMM Q-marker.