Multivariate Approach to Assess the Bioactive Compounds Of Atractylodes Chinensis（Dc.）Koidz in Different Harvest Periods

Abstract

Background: The Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz Chinese herb possesses numerous therapeutic properties and is extensively utilized in the pharmaceutical industry. Its quality is closely associated with the harvest periods. However, the optimal quality and harvest periods of Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz remain elusive.Methods: The bioactive compounds of annual, biennial, and perennial Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz were detected by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap/MS) metabolomics, and differentially abundant compounds were selected by multivariate statistical analysis. Then, variations in the content of differential compounds in samples harvested at different periods were analyzed, while correlation analysis was carried out on the differential compounds to determine the suitable harvest period for distinct components.Results: A total of 61 bioactive compounds were detected in all samples, grouped into 9 known classes. The results revealed that the chemical compositions of Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz at different harvest periods were significantly different. Indeed, the harvest period was correlated with the abundance of most bioactive compounds. Specifically, quinquennial samples were significantly negatively correlated with the abundance of organic acids and aliphatics while moderately positively correlated with the abundance of other classes of bioactive compounds. Conclusions: According to the results, the ideal harvest time for atractylenolide Ⅲ was 3 years. Regarding organic acids, the optimal harvest time was around 2 to 3 years. Taken together, these results offer valuable insights to producers for optimizing the harvest period for Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz.

Keywords: Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz, Metabolomics, bioactive compound, harvest period