Mass Spectrometry-Based Approaches in Natural Products Research

Natural products research has been profoundly transformed by advances in mass spectrometry-based analytical approaches, particularly techniques such as LC-MS and GC-MS, which enable the rapid detection, annotation, and relative quantification of metabolites in complex biological matrices. This Reprint brings together original research articles and reviews that explore the application of modern mass spectrometry strategies in natural products research, with emphasis on plant-derived metabolites, metabolomics, molecular networking, food chemistry, quality control, and bioactive compound discovery. The contributions included in this Reprint illustrate how MS-based workflows are being applied to investigate chemical diversity, correlate metabolite profiles with biological activity, support authentication studies, optimize extraction processes, and guide the isolation of bioactive compounds. In addition to highlighting current analytical capabilities, the published studies also address important challenges related to metabolite annotation, data interpretation, and methodological standardization. By integrating analytical chemistry, metabolomics, and biological evaluation, this Reprint provides an updated overview of the expanding role of mass spectrometry in natural products research and emphasizes the importance of combining high-throughput analytical approaches with rigorous validation strategies to generate reliable and biologically meaningful chemical knowledge.