Metabolomic and evolutionary integration unveils medicinal potential in six Corydalis species

The Corydalis genus, one of the largest within the Papaveraceae family, holds a rich diversity of medicinal resources, particularly among its tuberous species. Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are primarily responsible for the medicinal properties observed in Corydalis plants. In this study, we conducted an integrated evolutionary analysis by combining whole-genome resequencing with comprehensive metabolite profiling across various Corydalis species. Guided by these initial findings, supported by local cultivation practices and an extensive literature review, we further investigated six tuberous Corydalis species: C. yanhusuo, C. decumbens, C. schanginii, C. ledebouriana, C. solida, and the newly identified C. nanchuanensis. Our results revealed conserved alkaloid profiles across these species but highlighted significant variations in key bioactive compounds. Notably, C. nanchuanensis exhibited considerably higher levels of tetrahydropalmatine compared to the commonly used medicinal species C. yanhusuo, while C. solida, originally sourced from the Netherlands, displayed elevated concentrations of corydaline, palmatine, and dehydrocorydaline. Additionally, transcriptome-metabolome correlation analyses pinpointed several critical genes involved in protopine biosynthesis, particularly emphasizing the TNMT gene family. These discoveries significantly enhance our understanding of metabolic diversity in tuberous Corydalis, providing essential insights for the exploration of novel medicinal resources and facilitating targeted genetic improvements for therapeutic use.