Non-Targeted Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology Reveal Bioactive Metabolites and the Medicinal Potential of Three Ornamental Camellia Flowers

TL;DR

This study explores the medicinal potential of three ornamental Camellia flowers by identifying bioactive metabolites and their therapeutic effects.

Contribution

The study combines non-targeted metabolomics and network pharmacology to identify key bioactive metabolites in Camellia flowers.

Findings

385 significantly different metabolites were identified, with organic acids, lipids, and phenylpropanoids being the top classes.

Network pharmacology identified 78 potential molecular targets related to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral effects.

Seven flavonoid glycosides and other compounds were highlighted as key active metabolites with therapeutic potential.

Abstract

The genus Camellia offers valuable resources for tea production, oil extraction, and ornamental purposes, and its applications are expanding beyond traditional regions due to increasing human demands and advancements in research. To explore new therapeutic resources and identify key active metabolites, we conducted a non-targeted metabolomics analysis on three camellias. We also utilized network pharmacology to identify the potential targets of key metabolites involved in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. A total of 385 significantly different metabolites were identified, with organic acids and derivatives, lipids and lipid-like molecules, and phenylpropanoids and polyketides being the top three metabolite classes. Of the 71 different phenylpropanoids and polyketides identified, 54 were common across all three cultivars, while 17 were unique. Network pharmacology further identified 78 potential molecular targets associated with the four therapeutic activities under study. Seven flavonoid glycosides, two flavans, two biflavonoids/polyflavonoids, and one flavone were highlighted as key active metabolites. Notably, Camellia japonica ‘Kōshi’ emerged as a promising material for future applications. The key active ingredients may contribute to the development of novel approaches for cosmetic, food, and medicinal applications, as well as germplasm innovation for new functional camellias.

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