Comprehensive evaluation of regional variations in phytochemical composition and bioactive properties of Artemisia...

Artemisia argyi (A. argyi) from distinct cultivation ecoregions exhibit significant phytochemical and bioactivity variations. However, no systematic study has yet elucidated their intrinsic correlations, hindering reproducible quality marker development.

This study integrated phytometabolomics and pharmacodynamic approaches to elucidate phytochemical-bioactivity correlations in regionally distinct A. argyi.

Phytometabolomics characterized differential metabolites in three geographically authenticated A. argyi varieties. Anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated via edema inhibition rates and TNF-α/IL-1β levels in acute auricular edema models; antioxidant capacity determined through DPPH scavenging efficiency and IC₅₀ values; antimicrobial activity assessed by inhibition zone, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) values against pathogens, followed by metabolite-bioactivity correlation analysis.

Phytometabolomics identified terpenoids and flavonoids as the primary differential metabolites distinguishing regional cultivars. In murine models of acute ear swelling, Qichun specimens (QA) demonstrated superior anti-inflammatory properties compared to A. argyi collect from Ningbo (HA) and Anyang (WA), exhibiting significant edema inhibition and suppression of TNF-α and IL-1β. Antioxidant assessment revealed marked regional variation, with WA exhibiting superior DPPH scavenging capacity (IC₅₀ 0.036 mg/mL), followed by QA and HA. Microbiological evaluation further highlighted region-specific antimicrobial profiles, HA displayed pronounced inhibition against aerogenes and Bacillus subtilis, as well as Candida albicans, while WA showed optimal efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Grey correlation analysis indicated that 14 differential metabolites were preliminarily identified as quality markers underlying these pharmacological activities, such as coumarin, 6-hydroxycoumarin, enterolactone, sabinene, and isoflavone etc. CONCLUSIONS: The differences in metabolite profiles of A. argyi from three geographically regions were strongly associated with their variations in pharmacodynamics activities. Integrated phytometabolomics and pharmacodynamics provide robust strategies for A. argyi quality marker identification, elucidating the scientific connotation of regionally authenticated herbal medicines.