A novel four-step strategy to discover processing-associated Q-markers from toxicity to bioactivity: Arisaema decipiens Schott (synonym: Arisaema rhizomatum C.E.C.Fisch.) as an example

A novel four-step strategy was established to systematically evaluate the toxicity, chemical profiles, and biological activities of Arisaema decipiens Schott (synonym: Arisaema rhizomatum C.E.C.Fisch, AD) and its eight processed products prepared via diverse traditional methods including steaming, ginger—steaming, liquor—soaking, and lime—water treating. The results demonstrated that processing significantly mitigated toxicity by damaging calcium oxalate raphides and reducing toxic lectin levels. Conversely, bioactive constituents, particularly flavonoids and alkaloids, were enriched post-processing. Eighteen differential metabolites were identified as quality markers (Q-markers), which exhibited strong correlations with antioxidant, anti-haemolytic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Notably, the ZAD (Zheng Fa, ginger steamed) processed products displayed superior therapeutic efficacy. This study validated the attenuation of toxicity and enhancement of efficacy through processing, offering a robust scientific basis for quality control and mechanistic exploration of AD. This approach served as an auxiliary tool for achieving quality control of processed TCM and could support further exploration of processing mechanisms.