Quality assessment of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua from multiple origins and cultivation modes via UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS-based untargeted metabolomics

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (Pc) is valued as a dual-purpose medicinal and edible resource with diverse bioactive properties . It exhibits variability in metabolite types, content, and proportions depending on origin and cultivation mode. This study conducted physicochemical evaluations and untargeted metabolomics analyses on both cultivated and wild Pc collected from eight cities. The results indicated distinct metabolic differences in Pc based on cultivation modes and origins. Specifically, under different cultivation modes, cultivated Pc exhibited higher saponin content (average 1.54 %), superior in vitro antioxidant activity , and differential accumulation of polyphenols. In contrast, wild Pc contained higher levels of alkaloids , amino acids , and coumarins . Metabolites under identical cultivation modes primarily exhibited variations in phenolic, amino acid, and fatty acid metabolism . Moreover, although the polysaccharide content of cultivated Pc (7 %–11.5 %) showed no significant difference compared to wild Pc (5.2 %–15.89 %), the polysaccharide levels in cultivated Pc were more stable. These findings highlight the advantages of cultivation practices and emphasize the importance of selecting optimal growth environments for Pc. They provide a basis for optimizing the growth areas and cultivation modes of Pc, as well as for improving the bioavailability of key compounds. • Cultivated vs wild Pc: higher polyphenols and antioxidants; wild has more alkaloids, coumarins and amino acids . • Origin comparisons: Pc from more arid regions would accumulate more abundant amino acids , polyphenols, and fatty acids. • Polysaccharide content in artificially cultivated Pc was not lower than in wild Pc and was more stable. • Saponin content in artificially cultivated Pc was significantly higher than in wild Pc.