[Analysis of differential metabolites of spikes of Prunella vulgaris at different stages based on UPLC-MS/MS].

Prunella vulgaris, aptly named for its withering at the summer solstice, displays significant variation in quality arising from differing harvest time. However, research on the chemical composition changes of its spikes at various stages is limited, and the specific metabolites remain unclear. In order to elucidate the metabolites and metabolic pathways of the spikes of P. vulgaris, the current study deployed ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS) and targeted metabolomics to characterize the compound variability in the spikes of P. vulgaris across different periods. Multivariate statistical techniques such as principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were used to identify the differences in metabolites, and relevant metabolic pathways were analyzed. A total of 602 metabolites were identified by metabolomics, of which organic acids and their derivatives were the most abundant, followed by flavonoids. Multiple differential metabolites, including p-hydroxybenzoic acids and gallic acids were identified based on variable importance in projection(VIP)>1 and P<0.05. The results of enrichment analysis suggested that isoflavonoids biosynthesis, aminobenzoate degradation, benzoate degradation, anthocyanins biosynthesis, metabolic pathways, microbial metabolism in different environments, secondary plant metabolite biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, and phenylpropanoid synthesis were the main metabolic pathways. These results intend to elucidate the dynamic changes of differential metabolites of P. vulgaris and provide a theoretical basis for further study of the harvesting mechanism of spikes of P. vulgaris.

Metabolomics distinguishes different grades of Scrophularia ningpoensis hemsl: Towards a biomarker discovery and quality evaluation.

In managing unique complexities associated with Chinese medicinal quality assessment, metabolomics serves as an innovative tool. This study proposes an analytical approach to assess differing qualities of Scrophularia ningpoensis （S. ningpoensis）Hemsl by identifying potential biomarker metabolites and their activity with the corresponding secondary metabolites. The methodology includes four steps; first, a GC-MS based metabolomics exploration of the Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. Second, a multivariate statistical analysis (PCA, PLS-DA, OPLS-DA) for quality assessment and biomarker identification. Third, the application of ROC analysis and pathway analysis based on identified biomarkers. Finally, validation of the associated active ingredients by HPLC. The analysis showed distinct metabolite profiles across varying grades of S. ningpoensis Hemsl, establishing a grading dependency relationship. Select biomarkers (gluconic Acid, d-xylulose, sucrose, etc.) demonstrated robust grading performances. Further, the Pentose Phosphate Pathway, deemed as most influential in grading, was tied to the synthesis of key constituents (iridoids, phenylpropanoids). HPLC validation tests affirm a decreasing trend in harpagoside and cinnamic acid levels between first and third-grade samples. In conclusion, this GC-MS based metabolomics combined HPLC method offers a sound approach to assess and distinguish quality variations in S. ningpoensis Hemsl samples.

[Effects of Brachythecium plumosum and Plagiomnium venustum on seed germination and seedling growth of invasive plants]. / ç¾½æžé’è—“å’Œç˜¤æŸ„åŒç¯è—“å¯¹å ¥ä¾µæ¤ç‰©ç§å­èŒå‘å’Œå¹¼è‹—ç”Ÿé•¿çš„å½±å“.

Invasive plants can inhibit the survival and reproduction of native species through alle-lopathy. It is not clear whether the native plants, especially the mosses in the ground layer, inf-luence the invasive plants. In this study, we examined the effects of two native moss species, Brachythecium plumosum and Plagiomnium venustum, on two malignant invasive plants, Echinochloa crusgalli and Daucus carota. The effects of mosses on seed germination and seedling growth of both invasive species were determined based on the clump structure and allelopathy of the mosses. The germination rate, germination potential and germination index of the two invasive species were significantly inhibited when seeds fallen on or into the moss clump, with an order of inhibition effect: above moss clump>below moss clump>no moss. Radicle length and radicle/plumule of D. Carota were significantly affected when seeds fallen into the moss clump. Moss water extracts significantly reduced germination rate, germination potential, and germination index of the two invasive plants, with these effects being concentration-dependent. To some extent, moss water extracts increased the plumule length, radicle length and radicle/plumule of D. Carota seedlings, but without effect on E. crusgalli. Both mosses showed inhibitory effects on seed germination and seedling growth of two invasive plants, with higher sensitivity of E. crusgalli than D. Carota. Along with the increases in concentration of water extract, stronger inhibitory effects were found. Therefore, mosses could partially inhibit seed germination and seedling growth of invasive plants.