A strategy for screening trace enzyme inhibitors in herbal medicines was proposed.
UF-LC-QTOF MS was used to preliminarily find the α-glucosidase binders.
Docking analysis was adopted to predict the potential trace inhibitors.
Segment and exposure approach based LC-QTOF MS was applied to identify trace compounds.
11 Compounds of Ginkgo biloba extract were identified as high-quality α-glucosidase inhibitors.