Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging analysis revealed the spatial distribution of metabolites during <i>Ziziphi Spinosae Semen</i> at different growth periods.

ABSTRACT: Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (ZSS), a medicinal food, is one of the most popular Chinese medicinal herbs, known for its rich bioactive ingredients, such as terpenoids and flavonoids. The content of these bioactive ingredients in ZSS varies with age. However, the distribution of these bioactive ingredients throughout the developmental phases of ZSS-white maturity (S1), firm ripening (S2), and full ripening (S3)-and within specific tissues like the cotyledon, endosperm, and radicle, has not yet been determined. This research aimed to analyze the spatial distribution of key quality markers in ZSS and elucidate the metabolite quality characteristics throughout its growth stages. Utilizing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI), 25 bioactive ingredien

SUBMITTER: Zhao M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11885241 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature