Metabolomics analysis of Astragali Radix in Shanxi Province: Investigating the impact of various cultivation methods and growth years on metabolite profiles.

Astragali radix (HQ) is a herb with rich medicinal and edible value. Wild-simulated HQ (FYS) and Transplanted HQ (PZ) are its currently two primary forms available in the market. Metabolomics was employed to investigate their intricate metabolic variations under various cultivation methods and growth years. Notable similarities were observed in their metabolic changes across various growth years. Specifically, saponins was higher in the early growth phase, while flavonoids increased in the later. Additionally, comparative analysis of HQ samples from different cultivation methods indicated that FYS generally exhibited different chemical characteristics compared to PZ within the same market circulation period, and Calycosin-7-O-Glc-6"-O-acetate and Cycloastragenol-HO might be used to discriminant them (the content of Calycosin-7-O-Glc-6"-O-acetate and Cycloastragenol-HO was higher in FYS than in PZ). This approach elucidates the dynamic change pattern of characteristic metabolites and pinpoints potential biomarkers for both FYS and PZ, thereby enhancing our understanding of these medicinal materials.