Widely targeted metabolomic analysis reveals differences in volatile metabolites among fourAngelicaspecies

Abstract

AbstractAngelica L. has attracted global interest for its traditional medicinal uses and commercial values. However, few studies have focused on the metabolomic differences among theAngelicaspecies. In this study, we analyzed volatile metabolites of fourAngelicaspecies (Angelica sinensis(Oliv.) Diels,Angelica biserrata(R.H.Shan & Yuan) C.Q.Yuan & R.H.Shan,Angelica dahurica(Hoffm.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Franch. & Sav.,Angelica keiskeiKoidz.) by employing the widely targeted metabolomics based on gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 899 volatile metabolites were identified and classified into sixteen different categories. On average, categorical abundances of volatile metabolites such as terpenoids, alcohol, ketone, and ester were higher inAngelica keiskeithan those in the other threeAngelicaspecies. The metabolomic analysis indicated that 7-hydroxycoumarin and Z-ligustilide were accumulated at significantly higher levels inAngelica sinensis, whereas the opposite pattern was observed for bornyl acetate. In addition, we found a high correspondence between the dendrogram of metabolite contents and phylogenetic positions in the four species. This study provides a biochemical map for the exploitation, application and development of theAngelicaspecies as medicinal plants or health-related dietary supplements.HighlightsEight hundred and ninety-nine volatile metabolites were identified in fourAngelicaspecies.Medicinal plants differed in the accumulation of volatile compounds:Angelica keiskeiis rich in bornyl acetate, whileAngelica sinensisis rich in 7-hydroxycoumarin and Z-ligustilide.Angelica keiskeiexhibited high diversity and abundance of effective volatile compounds, and demonstrated its profound potential for industrial applications.