Sample preparation for analyzing traditional Chinese medicines

One of the biggest challenges in analyzing traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) is the complexity of the sample matrices. Sample preparation plays an important role in meeting the challenge because it can isolate and enrich the target analytes.In this review, we summarize current progress on sample preparation in analyzing TCMs in herbs and bio-fluid matrices. We focus on new sample-preparation methods, which make the whole analysis more selective, more sensitive and more environmentally friendly. In addition, we discuss new materials, new devices and new procedures involved in sample preparation of TCMs.