Abstract: As a core analytical method to explore the interaction between small molecules and biological macromolecules, molecular fishing technology has its own unique advantages in the screening of active ingredients in complex samples. For precise capture of specific molecules, this technology integrates surface plasmon resonance, biolayer interferometry, ligand fishing, and pull-down. Allowing label-free screening, molecular fishing effectively bypasses the limitations of ‌traditional labeling methods‌. With its high sensitivity and screening efficiency, it can quickly identify the target active ingredients from complex systems, and plays an irreplaceable role in the field of medicinal and edible homologous plants. This paper systematically reviews the development and evolution of molecular fishing technology, and elaborates on its principle and application methods. A special focus is placed on the state-of-the-art application of this technology in the screening of active components in medicinal and edible homologous plants and the analysis of action mechanisms, fully presenting its research value and innovative achievements. This review hopes to provide theoretical support and practical reference for the in-depth development of this technology in the field of medicinal and edible homologous plants.

Key words: molecular fishing; medicinal and edible homologous plants; active ingredient screening; mechanism of action; application