Characterization of non-volatile compounds, volatile compounds, and inorganic elements in different growth stages of Scutellariae Radix

Scutellariae Radix (SR) is a traditional Chinese medicine recognized for its potential to treat various disease conditions. SR is primarily investigated in clinical settings in two forms, namely Ziqin and Kuqin, each exhibiting distinct effects. However, few studies have systematically examined the differences in compounds and inorganic element content between the two forms. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the non-volatile and volatile compounds using UPLC-HRMS and GC-IMS, as well as the inorganic elements using ICP-MS. The results suggested significant differences in the content of non-volatile compounds, particularly flavonoids, between Ziqin and Kuqin. Kuqin demonstrated a higher content of flavonoids and volatile compounds compared to Ziqin. Moreover, the inorganic elements (particularly Cu and Al) might influence the content of flavonoid compounds by regulating their biosynthesis. This study identifies potential chemical markers that may contribute to the distinct therapeutic profiles, and these findings provide a basis for future pharmacological investigations.