# Differential Metabolic Analysis of Rhizomes in Shancigu Based on Widely Targeted Metabolomics

## TL;DR

This study compares the chemical differences between two species of a traditional Chinese medicine using advanced metabolomics techniques.

## Contribution

The study identifies key differential metabolites in two Shancigu species using widely targeted metabolomics.

## Key findings

- 2890 compounds were identified, with 687 showing significant differential abundance between the two species.
- Differential metabolites were enriched in stilbenoid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways.
- C. appendiculata accumulates flavonoids and phenolic acids, while P. yunnanensis favors terpenoids and nucleotide derivatives.

## Abstract

Background: Shancigu is a traditional Chinese medicine which is effective at clearing heat, detoxifying, dissipating masses, and resolving nodules. It consists of the dried pseudobulbs of orchids such as Cremastra appendiculata, or Pleione yunnanensis. To deeply understand the differences in the compositional and pharmacological active compounds in Shancigu, this study employed widely targeted metabolomics to analyze differential metabolites between two Shancigu species, C. appendiculata and P. yunnanensis. Methods: In this study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to qualitatively, quantitatively, and differentially analyze the metabolites of C. appendiculata and P. yunnanensis. Results: Metabolite profiling identified 2890 compounds across 13 classes. Within these, 687 metabolites showed significant differential abundance (23.76% total), including 331 upregulated and 356 downregulated compounds. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed these differential metabolites primarily concentrated in stilbenoid biosynthesis (types I and II) and flavonoid aglycone biosynthesis. The most highly expressed metabolites in the Cremastra group were L-tyrosine, dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde-xylose-glucoside, while in the Pleione group, the most abundant metabolites were 3,5-dihydroxy-2’-methoxy-4-methylbibenzyl, Shancigusin F and aloifol I. C. appendiculata preferentially accumulates flavonoids and phenolic acids whereas P. yunnanensis favors terpenoid and nucleotide derivative production. Conclusions: This study identifies key differential metabolites in C. appendiculata and P. yunnanensis, providing basic data for the overall evaluation and breeding of Shancigu, laying a foundation for further quality control and precise medication of Shancigu.