Impact of four drying methods, including freeze-drying, on the microstructure and main bioactive components of Gastrodia elata Bl.

Gastrodia elata Bl. (G. elata), known for its medicinal and culinary benefits, is abundant in bioactive compounds, enhancing its utility in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. However, the effects of different drying methods on its active ingredients are not well-studied, limiting industrial utilization. This study systematically examines various drying techniques to identify optimal approaches for preserving its medicinal properties. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis revealed distinct microstructural changes in G. elata, confirming the superiority of freeze-drying in preserving bioactive components. Metabolomic analysis identified 21 key metabolites involved in amino acid metabolism and zeatin biosynthesis, while bioinformatics revealed 16 core targets, such as EP300, GSK3B, and MMP9, linked to lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Beyond compositional analysis, this study evaluated the structural and metabolic impact of drying, offering guidance for optimizing industrial drying processes to preserve bioactive compounds in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. The findings enable scalable production and commercial application of G. elata in health foods and medicine.