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Transcript and Metabolite Profiling for the Evaluation of Tobacco Tree and Poplar as Feedstock for the Bio-based Industry
Published on: May 16, 2014
Integrated physicochemical profiling, metabolomics and 5-lipoxygenase docking: a comparative analysis of naturally
Limei Li1, Zhenshan Zheng1, Xun Qian1
1Institute of Biotechnology and Food Science, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050051, China.
Abstract:
Naturally matured (MH, n = 3) and heat-processed commercial (CH1-CH3, n = 9) acacia honeys were characterized via physicochemical assays and metabolomics to resolve quality differences. MH exhibited superior quality (lower pH, higher total phenolics (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), diastase activity, and DPPH scavenging capacity) than CHs. Metabolomic analysis identified 961 metabolites, with 419-461 significantly differentially abundant metabolites (VIP ≥ 1, FC ≥ 2/≤0.5) in MH vs. CHs; MH was enriched in phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids, with KEGG pathways enriched in flavonoid biosynthesis and flavones/flavonol biosynthesis (p < 0.05). Integrated computational approaches and in vitro assays confirmed some MH-enriched metabolites strongly bind 5-LOX with higher affinity than zileuton and inhibit its activity (IC₅₀:72.2 ± 19 to 291.4 ± 53 μmol/L). Phenethyl caffeate, cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid serve as candidate quality markers. These findings support MH's premium quality and in vitro anti-inflammatory potential, facilitating its quality authentication and functional food development.
