Metabolomics Provides Insight into the Chemical Characteristics Underlying Bioactivity Differences Among Various Parts of Atractylodes Chinensis (DC.) Koidz.

Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz. (AK) is a kind of medicinal plant in the Asteraceae family, and its dried rhizomes have the functions of drying dampness, strengthening the spleen, dispelling wind and cold, and brightening the eyes. However, there remains insufficient development and utilization of other portions of the plant. To reveal the chemical characteristics and bioactivity potential of different AK parts, this study adopted UPLC-QE-MS/MS-based widely targeted metabolomics to analyze the metabolic components in ethanol extracts of AK rhizomes, fibrous roots, stems and leaves, flowers, and seeds. We then compared the antioxidant activities of these AK parts. The results showed that the highest ethanol extraction rate was from the rhizomes, while the flowers showed the strongest antioxidant activity. A total of 165 metabolites were categorized into seven major categories that included organic acids, flavonoids, and coumarins. Among these, organic acids were found with higher content in stems and leaves, fibrous roots, and seeds, while flavonoids were higher in flowers. This study explored the chemical composition and preliminary bioactivities of different AK parts based on widely targeted metabolomics. The results confirmed that the non-medicinal AK parts have high utilization values, and provided a scientific basis for the further development and utilization of this promising medicinal plant.