Comparative Analysis of Differential Metabolites in <i>Panax quinquefolius</i> From China and the United States Using UPLC‐Orbitrap‐MS and LC‐MS/MS

ABSTRACT Currently, there is a relative paucity of comparative studies on the metabolites of American ginseng from different geographical sources. This study aims to employ untargeted and targeted metabolomics to compare the variations in metabolites among Panax quinquefolius from Northeast China, Shandong, and the United States. In untargeted metabolomics analysis, a total of 1276 metabolites were identified, with 31 shared biomarker metabolites found in the P. quinquefolius samples. Further KEGG annotation and pathway enrichment analysis revealed 81 chemical classifications, with 4‐year‐old (DB4) ginseng from Northeast China primarily enriched in fatty acyls, whereas 4‐year‐old (MG4) American ginseng from the United States was mainly enriched in glycerophospholipids and prenol lipids. Arginine biosynthesis, as well as pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, was significantly involved in the distinction between DB4 and MG4. Quantitative analysis of 25 polyphenolic compounds in DB4, 4‐year‐old (SD4) American ginseng from Shandong Province in China, and MG4 through targeted metabolomics unveiled that trans ‐ferulic acid, sinapic acid, kaempferol‐3‐O‐glucoside, and (+)‐dihydrokaempferol can be used to distinguish American ginseng from Chinese ginseng. Furthermore, trans ‐ferulic acid, 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, and octanoic acid can serve as markers to differentiate ginseng from Northeast China and Shandong. These findings reveal the distinctive metabolic characteristics and phenolic components of P. quinquefolius , providing valuable insights for determining its geographical origin and enhancing quality control.