Exploring metabolite differences in different tissues of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei （an endemic species to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau） based on metabolomics technology

Key Points

• The aim is to clarify metabolite differences among the root, stem, leaf, and seed of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei to evaluate the potential for high-value utilization of non-medicinal tissues.
• Utilized ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry for non-targeted metabolomics analysis.
• Conducted multivariate statistical analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis to systematically compare metabolite profiles across different tissues.
• Identified a total of 1339 secondary metabolites to understand tissue-specific accumulation.
• Identified significant differences in metabolite composition, with roots enriched in anthraquinones and phenolic acids.
• Leaves primarily contained flavonoids and were notably rich in the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway.
• Seeds showed specific accumulation of proanthocyanidins and alkaloids, while alpha-linolenic acid pathways were significantly enriched in roots compared to stems and leaves.