Metabolomic profiles and health-promoting functions of Camellia drupifera mature-seeds were revealed relate to their geographical origins using comparative metabolomic analysis and network pharmacology approach

Chemical component of differences in the endosperm of Gleditsia species seeds revealed based on comparative metabolomics

To investigate the chemical composition and interfunctional differences among the endosperm of Gleditsia species seeds (EGS), this study was conducted to determine the metabolic profiles in three EGSs based on the metabolomics approach of UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. A total of 505 metabolites were identified, of which 156 metabolites of EGS were annotated as pharmaceutical ingredients for six human diseases. A total of 110, 146, and 104 metabolites showed different accumulation patterns in the three control groups, LEGS vs. MEGS, LEGS vs. SEGS, and MEGS vs. SEGS, respectively. The metabolic profiles of EGSs differed significantly, and KEGG annotation and enrichment analyses indicated aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis as the key metabolic pathway of EGSs. This study enriches the understanding of the chemical composition of EGSs and provides theoretical support for the development and application of EGSs.

Untargeted metabolomics in Anectocillus roxburghii with habitat heterogeneity and the key abiotic factors affecting its active ingredients

Introduction

Anoectochilus roxburghii is a rare, endangered herb with diverse pharmacological properties. Understanding the main metabolite types and characteristics of wild A. roxburghii is important for efficiently utilizing resources and examining quality according to origin.

Methods

Samples were collected from the main production areas across five regions in Fujian Province, China. An untargeted metabolomics analysis was performed on the entire plants to explore their metabolic profiles. We utilized UPLC-MS/MS to specifically quantify eight targeted flavonoids in these samples. Subsequently, correlation analysis was conducted to investigate the relationships between the flavonoids content and both the biological characteristics and geographical features.

Results

A comprehensive analysis identified a total of 3,170 differential metabolites, with terpenoids and flavonoids being the most prevalent classes. A region-specific metabolite analysis revealed that the Yongchun (YC) region showed the highest diversity of unique metabolites, including tangeretin and oleanolic acid. Conversely, the Youxi (YX) region was found to have the smallest number of unique metabolites, with only one distinct compound identified. Further investigation through KEGG pathway enrichment analysis highlighted a significant enrichment in pathways related to flavonoid biosynthesis. Further examination of the flavonoid category showed that flavonols were the most differentially abundant. We quantified eight specific flavonoids, finding that, on average, the YX region exhibited higher levels of these compounds. Correlation analysis highlighted a significant association between flavonoids and habitat, especially temperature and humidity.

Discussion

Untargeted metabolomics via LC-MS was suitable for identifying region-specific metabolites and their influence via habitat heterogeneity. The results of this study serve as a new theoretical reference for unique markers exclusively present in a specific sample group.