HPLC Fingerprint Analysis with the Antioxidant Potential of Polygonatum sibiricum Combined with the Chemometric Calculations

Polygonatum sibiricum (P. sibiricum) is a significantly health-promoting plant unique in medicine and food. Currently, research on the bioactive components of P. sibiricum primarily focuses on polysaccharides. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the polysaccharide content in P. sibiricum must be at least 7.0%, which is the only criterion used for determining its content. In contrast, this study aims to thoroughly investigate and clarify the various components that contribute to the therapeutic and functional properties of P. sibiricum. We seek to broaden the focus beyond polysaccharides to identify other potentially significant bioactive substances. We established High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) fingerprints for wine-processed P. sibiricum from various regions and identified 17 common peaks. The antioxidant activities of these components were assessed using ABTS and DPPH methods. The spectrum–effect relationship was elucidated through partial least squares regression and grey relational analysis. The results revealed that the antioxidant active components in wine-processed P. sibiricum include 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, p-hydroxycinnamic acid, myricetin, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, and adenosine. This research not only clarifies the antioxidant material basis of wine-processed P. sibiricum but also establishes a scientific foundation for enhanced quality control in future applications.