Qiancao (Rubia spp.) – a comprehensive metabolomics analysis of the five core species

This metabolomics analysis identified a total of 1,440 metabolites. Comparative analyses revealed significant differences in the metabolic profiles among the five species. Specifically, we detected 237, 217, 448, and 226 differentially accumulated metabolites when comparing <i>R. cordifolia</i> L. with <i>R. magna</i> P. G. Xiao, <i>R. cordifolia</i> L. with <i>R. schumanniana</i> Pritz., <i>R. cordifolia</i> L. with <i>R. yunnanensis</i> Diels., and <i>R. cordifolia</i> L. with <i>R. wallichiana</i> Decne., respectively. KEGG pathway analysis demonstrated substantial involvement of these metabolites in three key pathways: amino acid metabolism, riboflavin metabolism, and terpenoid biosynthesis, with particular emphasis on specific metabolites within these pathways. These findings provide a foundation for future research focused on species identification, quality control, biosynthetic pathway investigation, and bioactivity assessment of Qiancao, thereby advancing the understanding of its clinical applications in traditional Chinese medicine.