Methyl jasmonate preserves structural integrity and secondary metabolite pools in postharvest ginseng: A metabolomic and sensomic approach

Fresh ginseng ( Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.) is a premier medicinal crop, yet its industrial and commercial viability is severely compromised postharvest by vigorous metabolism and rapid structural deterioration. This study investigated the comprehensive regulatory mechanism of exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA, 500 µmol L -1 for 300 s) as an eco-friendly elicitor to preserve the quality of fresh ginseng raw materials during ambient storage. Integrating physiological assays, multidimensional metabolomics (LC-MS/MS and GC-MS), and intelligent sensomics, we revealed that MeJA significantly mitigated membrane lipid peroxidation, maintained vital tissue turgor, and inhibited enzymatic browning. Untargeted metabolomic profiling demonstrated that MeJA actively mobilized primary amino acids to fuel the phenylpropanoid and mevalonate pathways, driving a substantial accumulation of phenolic antioxidants and critical pharmaceutical ginsenosides. Furthermore, MeJA restrained lipoxygenase overactivation, successfully preserving intrinsic volatile markers (e.g., hexanal, 2-pentanone) and preventing sensory deterioration that compromises raw material authenticity. Notably, this study provides the first comprehensive evidence linking MeJA-induced cellular membrane preservation with the simultaneous enhancement of secondary defensive biosynthesis and characteristic aromatic maintenance in postharvest ginseng. These insights establish a robust theoretical foundation for utilizing MeJA as an effective postharvest strategy to extend the shelf-life and elevate the pharmaceutical value of high-value industrial crops.