Ginger processing remodels the metabolome profile of Gastrodia elata and potentiates its neuroprotective effects

Ginger processing is a crucial technique in the traditional Chinese medicinal herb industry, as it effectively eliminates the characteristic odor, neutralizes medicinal properties, and enhances efficacy. However, the influence of ginger treatment on the neuroprotective effects of Gastrodia elata remains unclear.

This research systematically analyzed the distinctions in chemical composition and neuroprotective effects between ginger-processed (GP) G. elata and traditionally processed (TP) G. elata to reveal the potential mechanism by which ginger processing enhances the neuroprotective effect of G. elata.

The differences of non-processed (NP), TP, and GP G. elata were compared in terms of ultrastructure, active component content, and metabolic profile using electron microscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and metabolomics techniques. The enhancement of ginger processing on the neuroprotective effects of G. elata was verified within a mouse model subjected to chronic restraint stress. Additionally, an investigation was conducted into the underlying mechanisms by evaluating neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity through immunohistochemical analysis and Golgi staining.

The study shows that TP G. elata exhibits significant changes in ultrastructure and metabolite composition compared to NP G. elata, with increased levels of phenolic components such as gastrodin and parishins. Strikingly, GP G. elata demonstrates even greater changes in ultrastructure and metabolite composition, along with further increased levels of these phenolic components when compared with TP G. elata. We also found that GP G. elata has stronger anti-depression and anti-anxiety effects than TP G. elata. Furthermore, our findings reveal a potential mechanism by which ginger processing enhances G. elata's neuroprotective properties through promoting hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity in stress-exposed mice.

Our study highlights that ginger processing enhances the protective effects of G. elata on neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity by modifying the metabolome profile and increasing the content of active ingredients. This is the first to reveal the phytopharmacological, neurobiological, cellular, and molecular mechanisms underlying the enhanced neuroprotective effects of G. elata after ginger processing. The findings will establish a scientific basis for the clinical application and development of functional foods derived from the ginger-processed G. elata.