Multivariate approach to assess the bioactive compounds of Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz in different harvest periods

• Published in: Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences, 2024-10, Vol.1246, p.124298, Article 124298
• Main Authors: Liu, Xiaokang, Liang, Liwen, Cai, Guangzhi, Guo, Yunlong, Gong, Jiyu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz; Bioactive compound; Harvest period; Metabolomics
• ISSN: 1570-0232; 1873-376X; 1873-376X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2024.124298

•Bioactive compounds in annual, biennial, and perennial samples were analyzed using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap/MS metabolomics.•These findings provide valuable guidance for optimizing the harvest period of Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz to maximize its therapeutic properties.•A multi-index component content determination method was established to evaluate the quality of Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz. The Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz (A. chinensis) Chinese herb possesses numerous therapeutic properties and is extensively utilized in the pharmaceutical industry. Its quality is closely associated with the harvest periods. However, the optimal quality and harvest periods of A. chinensis remain elusive. The bioactive compounds of perennial A. chinensis were detected by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap/MS) metabolomics, and differentially abundant compounds were selected by multivariate statistical analysis. Then, variations in the content of differential compounds in samples harvested at different periods were analyzed, while correlation analysis was carried out on the differential compounds to determine the suitable harvest period for distinct components. A total of 61 bioactive compounds were detected in all samples, grouped into 9 known classes. The results revealed that the chemical compositions of A. chinensis at different harvest periods were significantly different. The volatile oil content in the four-year-old and five-year-old samples was relatively high, at 31.92 mg/g and 32.42 mg/g, respectively. There were also significant differences in the content of the six active ingredients, for example, the five-year-old sample had the highest content of atractylodin (4.38 mg/g). Indeed, the harvest period was correlated with the abundance of most bioactive compounds. Specifically, quinquennial samples were significantly negatively correlated with the abundance of organic acids and aliphatics while moderately positively correlated with the abundance of other classes of bioactive compounds. According to the results, the ideal harvest time for atractylenolide Ⅲ was 3 years. Regarding organic acids, the optimal harvest time was around 2–3 years. Taken together, these results offer valuable insights to producers for optimizing the harvest period for A. chinensis.