Comparative metabolomic profiling and biological activities of Zygostelma benthamii Baill. (apocynaceae): unveiling organ-specific antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic potentials

ABSTRACT:

Zygostelma benthamii has been prized for its medicinal properties and is similar to ginseng. However, the specific chemicals in its various parts and their relationship to its therapeutic effects have not been thoroughly researched. Thus, we used a comprehensive metabolomics approach, LC-MS/MS and GC-MS, to identify all chemicals in its leaves, stems, and roots and to evaluate its medicinal attributes. Metabolic activity differed significantly among plant parts. The leaves contained the highest concentrations of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and were far superior at neutralizing damaging free radicals (IC50 = 60.344 +/- 1.409 ug/mL). Specifically, the leaf extract significantly suppressed human colorectal cancer cells (Caco-2) with an IC50 of 0.735 +/- 0.119 mg/mL, which was 4.2 times more effective than the root extract. Conversely, the root extract was most potent at reducing inflammation (IC50 = 1.22 +/- 0.12 mg/mL), even exceeding the efficacy of diclofenac, thereby validating the plant's historic use in restoring health. Chemical analysis identified Vitexin in the leaves and Syringic acid and Eleutheroside E in the roots. These findings suggest that the different chemical compositions of each plant part contribute to their distinct biological activities. The results indicate that Zygostelma benthamii leaves are a stronger and more consistent source of compounds with antioxidant and anticancer activities. This research supports the traditional medicinal use of the plant and provides a link between traditional knowledge and modern scientific evidence.

INSTRUMENT(S): Liquid Chromatography MS - negative - reverse-phase, Liquid Chromatography MS - positive - reverse-phase

PROVIDER: MTBLS15042 | MetaboLights | 2026-07-29

REPOSITORIES: MetaboLights