Organ-Specific Metabolome Reveals Potential Nutritional and Health Benefits of Ampelopsis grossedentata

<b>Background/Objectives:</b><i>Ampelopsis grossedentata,</i> a novel food resource (vine tea), is a therapeutically valuable species wherein all parts exhibit bioactive potential. The therapeutic value and health benefits of <i>A. grossedentata</i> are rooted in its metabolomic profile, yet the metabolites in its various parts remain incompletely characterized. In this study, the tissue-specific biochemical properties and metabolic profiles of <i>A. grossedentata</i> were systematically characterized to identify the optimal tissue type for harvesting, with the goal of maximizing the production of bioactive compounds. <b>Methods:</b> The biochemical properties of various <i>A. grossedentata</i> tissues were assessed using a spectrophotometer, and their metabolic profiles were characterized through LC-MS/MS-based untargeted metabolomics. <b>Results:</b> The results demonstrate that, compared with the stems and roots, the tender leaves and floral tissues contained a higher TFC and TPC, correlating with superior antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP). A metabolic analysis revealed that the tender leaves accumulated multiple bioactive flavonoids beyond dihydromyricetin, including naringenin 7-O-beta-D-glucoside, (-)-epigallocatechin, tricetin, and cyanidin 3-O-sophoroside. The floral tissues displayed a comparable antioxidant capacity and dihydromyricetin level to the leaves, as well as unique compounds, such as leucodelphinidin, naringenin, epicatechin, dihydroquercetin, astilbin, and myricitrin. A metabolomic analysis further demonstrated a high accumulation of L-glutamine and L-glutamic acid in the floral tissues, potentially contributing to the characteristic umami flavor profile of vine tea made from <i>A. grossedentata</i> flowers. <b>Conclusions:</b><i>A. grossedentata</i> flowers could be considered a promising raw material for developing novel functional foods and premium herbal tea products, as they possess superior antioxidant activity and abundant flavonoids and amino acids.