Metabolomic analysis reveals the changing trend and differential markers of volatile and nonvolatile components of Artemisiae argyi with different aging years

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionArtemisia argyi Folium (AAF) is a traditional medicinal herb and edible plant. Analyzing the differential metabolites that affect the efficacy of AAF with different aging years is necessary.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to investigate the changing trend and differential markers of volatile and nonvolatile metabolites of AAF from different aging years, which are necessary for application in clinical medicine.MethodologyMetabolites were analyzed using a widely targeted metabolomic approach based on ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) and gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC‐MS).ResultsA total of 153 volatile metabolites and 159 nonvolatile metabolites were identified. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) could clearly distinguish AAF aged for 1 year (AF‐1), 3 years (AF‐3), and 5 years (AF‐5). Seven flavonoids and nine terpenoids were identified as biomarkers for tracking the aging years.ConclusionsThe metabolomic method provided an effective strategy for tracking and identifying biomarkers of AAF from different aging years. This study laid the foundation for analysis of the biological activity of Artemisia argyi with different aging years.