Untargeted metabolomics approach reveals the tissue-specific markers of balloon flower root (Platycodi Radix) using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS

摘要: Abstract Platycodi Radix, the root of balloon flower, has been widely used as food and traditional oriental medicine in East Asian countries. Secondary metabolites are generally selected quality markers to evaluate Chinese herbal medicines, their distribution is tissue-specific. However, similarities differences secondary different tissues Radix have not fully elucidated. In this study, an untargeted metabolomics approach based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was developed dissect differential major three periderm, phloem xylem explore tissue-specific Radix. First, optimized UPLC-Q-TOF/MS method applied global metabolite profiling The results demonstrated that from same sample profiles, rich triterpenoid saponins, especially phloem. Notably, periderm also contains significant with pharmacological activities, thereby suggesting should be kept for medicinal use. Next, 23 robust were first time using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) loading plot variable importance projection (VIP) plot. Finally, a hierarchical clustering heat map further visualize relationships between these markers. To sum up, our strategy provides systematic comprehensive protocols screening chemical bases distinct usage therefore helpful evaluation, processing optimization rational utilization