Changes in Triterpenes in Alismatis rhizoma after Processing Based on Targeted Metabolomics Using UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Metabolomics
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Alismatis rhizoma (AR) is a long-used herbal medicine in China.
• Different processing methods, including salt-processing (SAR) and bran-processing (BAR), are officially recognized.
• Limited data exists on the chemical composition differences between crude AR and its processed forms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and compare triterpenes in crude AR, SAR, and BAR.
• To investigate the impact of processing on the triterpene profile of AR.
• To provide insights into the processing mechanisms and clinical applications of AR.

Main Methods:

• Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) for triterpene identification.
• Targeted metabolomics approach for comparative analysis.
• Quantification and comparison of triterpene profiles across different AR samples.

Main Results:

• A total of 114 triterpenes were identified across crude AR, SAR, and BAR.
• SAR exhibited 17 newly generated triterpenes, 7 increasing, and 37 decreasing triterpenes.
• BAR showed 56 triterpenes with significant changes, including 21 newly generated and 35 increased triterpenes.

Conclusions:

• Processing significantly alters the triterpene composition of Alismatis rhizoma.
• Bran-processing appears to induce more substantial changes in triterpene profiles than salt-processing.
• Findings support understanding AR processing mechanisms and enhance its therapeutic applications.