Revealing metabolomic variations in Cortex Moutan from different root parts using HPLC-MS method

Area of Science:

• Pharmacognosy
• Metabolomics
• Plant Chemistry

Background:

• The distribution of metabolites within Cortex Moutan (Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews) root parts is poorly understood.
• Lack of scientific data hinders effective quality assessment of this traditional medicinal herb.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate metabolomic variations across different root sections of Cortex Moutan.
• To establish a scientific basis for quality control and grading of Cortex Moutan.

Main Methods:

• Utilized high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) for metabolite profiling.
• Employed multivariate data analysis, one-way ANOVA, and fold change analysis to identify discriminating metabolites.

Main Results:

• Identified 5 primary and 41 secondary metabolites, with significant variations across root parts.
• Axial roots showed higher concentrations of paeonol, galloyloxypaeoniflorin, and procyanidin B.
• Specific metabolites like malic acid and gallic acid were enriched in lateral roots, while others accumulated in axial and lateral roots.

Conclusions:

• Metabolite composition varies significantly among the axial and lateral roots of Cortex Moutan.
• Axial roots are deemed higher quality due to higher accumulation of bioactive secondary metabolites.
• Findings provide crucial scientific evidence for grading Cortex Moutan in the market.