Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) processing holds significant importance in clinical applications. However, the construction of its quality standard system and research on the material basis of its efficacy face numerous challenges, and traditional detection and analysis methods have limitations. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC- MS) technology has been widesly used in the field of TCM processing due to its advantages of high selectivity, high sensitivity, and excellent separation efficiency. This paper systematically reviews the composition, principles, and common types of UPLC-MS technology, with a primary focus on elaborating its applications in TCM processing, including research progress on the effects of the same processing method and different processing methods on the chemical composition of TCM, as well as the effects of processing on toxic components in TCM, pesticide residues in TCM, and the pharmacokinetics of TCM. UPLC-MS technology enables rapid analysis and precise quantification of complex components during TCM processing, providing a powerful tool for optimizing processing techniques and elucidating processing mechanisms. Nevertheless, this technology also has limitations, such as stringent sample requirements and the susceptibility of trace component detection to instrument sensitivity. In the future, it is expected to further advance the modernization of TCM processing and the establishment of quality evaluation standards by combining with mass spectrometry databases and artificial intelligence technology.

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