Widely targeted metabolomics reveals conserved and differential metabolite patterns related to nutritional and bioactive compounds in stems and leaves of three Portulaca oleracea cultivars

This study employed a widely targeted metabolomics approach to compare the stems and leaves of three Portulaca oleracea L. cultivars. A total of 1315 metabolites were identified, for which we pioneered a novel analytical framework classifying them into a ‘conserved’ and ‘specific’ dual-layered architecture. Overall, the leaves exhibited higher metabolic activity. The different cultivars displayed distinct metabolic specializations: Cultivar 1's stems were rich in amino acids, while its leaves accumulated high levels of phenolic acids and various functional lipids. Cultivar 2's leaves acted as a “super bio-factory” for the production of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and oleraceins. Cultivar 3's stems accumulated phenolic acids, while its leaves maintained robust primary metabolism and simultaneously developed balanced and diverse secondary metabolic pathways. This study reveals the organ-specific metabolic partitioning patterns in P. oleracea , providing a scientific basis for its targeted development as a functional food and for the selection of high-value germplasm resources. • A systematic and widely targeted metabolomic analysis was performed on the stems and leaves of three Portulaca oleracea cultivars for the first time. • A total of 1315 metabolites were identified, and a novel “Conserved-Specific” two-layer analysis framework was established. • Revealed cultivar- and organ-specific metabolites in Portulaca oleracea , providing a basis for targeted wild resource development and functional food applications.