Spatial distribution of differential metabolites in different parts of <i>Curcuma phaeocaulis</i> Val. using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry and desorption electrospray ionization mas

<i>Background</i>: Roots and rhizomes of <i>Curcuma phaeocaulis</i> Val. are used as distinct traditional Chinese medicines with a reported blood-circulating and stasis-removing effect. This may be related to differences in the accumulation and distribution of active compounds. <i>Purpose</i>: This study investigates spatial variations in secondary metabolites across different parts of <i>Curcuma phaeocaulis</i> Val. and explores the underlying pharmacological basis. <i>Methods</i>: Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadruple Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) coupled with desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) was employed to analyze the spatial distribution of metabolites in different parts of <i>Curcuma phaeocaulis</i> Val. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed to identify differential metabolites. DESI-MSI visualization further characterized the spatial distribution. Network pharmacology was subsequently employed to predict the pharmacological mechanisms of key differential components. <i>Results</i>: UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS analysis identified 54 chemical compounds in different parts of <i>Curcuma phaeocaulis</i> Val., primarily sesquiterpenes and curcuminoids. Rhizomes exhibited significantly higher levels of these compounds compared to roots. Multivariate statistical analysis using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS and DESI-MSI identified 23 and 20 differentially abundant metabolites in roots and rhizomes, respectively, with 14 compounds common to both methods. DESI-MSI imaging localized β-elemene and curcumenol predominantly to the rhizome cortex. Network pharmacology suggests STAT3, PIK3CA, PIK3R1 and AKT1 as potential key targets for <i>Curcuma phaeocaulis</i> Val. in treating blood stasis. <i>Conclusion</i>: Spatial metabolomics revealed differential metabolite content and spatial distribution across different parts of <i>Curcuma phaeocaulis</i> Val. Differences in metabolite biosynthesis and accumulation likely contribute to the potential of both roots and rhizomes to ameliorate blood stasis.