Comprehensive Evaluation of Growth Period Variations in Bioactive Properties and Phytochemical Profiles of <i>Aesculus chinensis</i> Bge Seeds and Leaves

In China, Aesculus chinensis Bge (A.Bge) is known as a medicinal plant. A.Bge seeds have been traditionally used to relieve abdominal distention and stomach pain, whereas studies on A.Bge leaves remain limited. This study aimed to clarify the dynamic bioactivities and chemical profiles of A.Bge seeds and leaves across their growth phases and to identify potential biomarkers specific to each organ. A.Bge seeds and leaves collected in different months were evaluated for anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic activities. Phytochemical constituents were characterized using UHPLC-HRMS combined with chemometrics analysis, followed by quantitative determination of potential biomarkers. Leaves collected in October showed comparable anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic effects to seeds collected in October, with a slight reduction in α-glucosidase inhibitory efficacy. Among 123 identified components in seeds and leaves, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenylpropanoids were predominant. Despite exhibiting comparable bioactivities, seeds and leaves were associated with different bioactive components. Specifically, nine bioactivity-related contributors in seeds, including escin IA and alpha-linolenic acid, and 12 in leaves, such as kaempferol and hyperoside, were successfully determined. The integration of phytometabolomics and pharmacodynamics provides an effective strategy to identify potential bioactive contributors in A.Bge seeds and leaves, thereby facilitating their future pharmacological application and quality control.