Phytochemical profiles and antitumor activity of different parts of Pleione bulbocodioides (Franch.) Rolfe

Pleione bulbocodioides (Franch.) Rolfe (PB) has attracted considerable attention due to its distinctive ornamental and medicinal value. Its pseudobulbs have a long-standing history of medicinal application and exhibit notable antitumor activity. However, research on its roots and leaves remains limited. The present study employed UHPLC-MS-based metabolomics to investigate the phytochemical composition and antitumor effects of roots (PBR) and leaves (PBL) of PB. A total of 125 differential metabolites were identified between the two groups. Inter-group analyses revealed that multiple differential metabolites were enriched in the PBL compared to the PBR, with flavonoids exhibiting particularly notable enrichment, whereas amino acid levels were significantly decreased. Furthermore, PBL exhibited more potent antitumor activity than PBR, which may be closely associated with the accumulation of bioactive flavonoids. These findings provide novel scientific insights for exploring the medicinal potential of PB, thereby enhancing its economic value and facilitating its development and utilisation.