OBJECTIVE  To study the potential quality markers(Q-markers) of volatile oil from Artemisiae Argyi Folium(VOAA) by the analytic hierarchy process(AHP)-entropy weight method(EWM) combined with network pharmacology, so as to provide reference for the quality control of VOAA.

METHODS According to the basic principles of Q-markers of traditional Chinese medicine, the AHP and EWM was used to identify and quantify the Q-markers of VOAA. The former was applied to the weight analysis of the element layer, and the latter was to the weight analysis of the control layer under each element layer. The efficiency index in the control layer was selected according to the number of targets, pathway numbers and supporting literature corresponding to each component in network pharmacology. The measurability index was derived from the average content, coefficient of variation and related literature of each component in GC-MS. The endemic index was the number of plants containing the compound.

RESULTS Using the established quantitative identification system for traditional Chinese medicine Q-markers as the screening criteria, eleven components, including dipterocarp, β-caryophyllene, eugenol, L-camphor, α-pinene, genanthene, genanthene D, β-pinene, juniperene hydrate, 4-terpineol and α-thujone, were successfully chosen as Q-markers of VOAA.

CONCLUSION Based on the effectiveness, quantifiability and uniqueness of Q-marker, the 11 quality markers identified can fully reflect the quality of mugwort leaf oil, and provide a reference for the quality control of VOAA.