Honglanqi (HLQ), a distinctive commercial specification of Astragali Radix (AR) characterized by rhytidome and interxylary cork, remains undervalued despite originating from premium long-cultivated material. The ethyl acetate fraction (HLQE) showed the greatest anti-inflammatory activity among the polarity-based fractions of an HLQ ethanol extract. We applied an integrated ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) and feature-based molecular networking (FBMN) strategy to systematically profile the chemical composition of HLQE. A total of 102 metabolites were annotated across seven compound classes, of which 18 were predicted as potential new compounds, and 37 were reported in AR for the first time. Three undescribed compounds, astragalinin A, astragalinin B, and astragquinone, were isolated and characterized, together with 19 known compounds. In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, astragalinin A exhibited potent inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6 (IC50 < 10 μM). Astragquinone showed significant TNF-α inhibition with a favourable safety profile. Stereochemical configuration critically influenced anti-inflammatory potency, as demonstrated by the enantiomeric pair. Molecular docking predicted favourable binding orientations toward TNF-α and IL-6 in silico. These findings provide a comprehensive phytochemical and bioactivity profile of HLQ, supporting its value-added utilization as an underutilized AR resource.

This study examines geomaterials from the Western Han Hongtushan tomb in Shandong, using an integrated analytical approach that includes optical imaging, Raman spectroscopy, handheld XRF, XRD, and EPMA. Several types of geomaterials were identified: cinnabar, realgar, talc, kaolinite and its hydrothermal variant, quartz, calcite, and semi-fossilized oyster shell. The cinnabar shows selenium substitution and is associated with barite, suggesting its origin from the northeastern Guizhou mercury metallogenic belt. Other materials like talc, kaolinite, and quartz are likely sourced regionally. Comparing early Chinese medical and alchemical texts shows a strong correlation between geomaterials and substances like D & amacr;nsh & amacr;, Hu & aacute;sh & iacute;, and B & aacute;i Sh & iacute;y & imacr;ng. This suggests that Han-period geomaterial choices were methodical and based on empirical understanding, highlighting the connection between medicine, material science, and cultural symbolism.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Fuling (Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf) is a traditional fungal medicinal material. This study uses the “Imperial Fuling,” used by the imperial court during the Qing Dynasty as an example, and applies modern technologies to trace its production origin, effectively supplementing the limitations of historical document research. This approach provides reliable evidence for investigating the application history of traditional medicines while supporting the conservation and promotion of regions producing high-quality medicinal materials. Aim of the study This study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of provenance tracing of medicinal residues to supplement and refine conclusions drawn from literature-based historical research, with the fungal medicinal material Fuling serving as a case study. Materials and methods We first examined the spatial distribution patterns of trace elements in the sclerotium (Bai Fuling) of P. cocos and identified 19 elements with relatively stable distribution. Subsequently, we successfully traced the production origin of Imperial Fuling through three lines of evidence: a multi-element origin-tracing model, strontium isotope maps, and historical document research. Results We narrowed the source area of Imperial Fuling to an area of approximately 1015 km2. Conclusions This study provides material evidence for the authentic production of Fuling in the Dabie Mountains region during the Qing era, challenging the entrenched notion that high-quality Fuling originated exclusively in Yunnan Province. Our results offer critical scientific support for conserving and promoting the Dabie Mountain region as a traditional medicinal hub. This study also represents an innovative breakthrough in the archaeological tracing of ancient medicinal herbs within the field of bencao-archaeology.

Atractylodes lancea (Asteraceae) is an important medicinal plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, with sesquiterpenoids as its major bioactive components. However, the molecular basis of chemotype-specific sesquiterpenoid divergence in A. lancea remains unclear. To address this question, HS-GC/MS and GC–MS quantification revealed that the Hinesol chemotype (HO-type) exhibits significantly higher concentrations of hinesol, guaiol, and three eudesmol isomers (α-, γ-, β-eudesmol), while the Atractylon chemotype (AT-type) exhibits elevated atractylon, β-elemene, and β-caryophyllene concentrations. Using a chromosome-scale genome assembly of HO-type A. lancea (4.43 Gb, contig N50 = 101.66 Mb), we identified 74 terpene synthase (TPS) genes, among which nine were selected for functional characterization. Enzymatic assays showed that AlTPS37, AlTPS70, and AlTPS71 are involved in the biosynthesis of sesquiterpenoids enriched in the HO-type. AlTPS37 predominantly catalyzed the formation of γ-, α-, and β-eudesmol, whereas AlTPS70 and AlTPS71 contributed to the production of guaiol- and bulnesol-related sesquiterpenoids. Comparative analysis of two AlTPS37 haplotypes from HO- and AT-type plants, combined with site-directed mutagenesis, revealed that allelic functional divergence, together with higher AlTPS37 expression in the HO-type, contributed to distinct eudesmol accumulation patterns between the two chemotypes. Together, these findings identify AlTPS37 as an important TPS gene associated with chemotype-specific eudesmol accumulation and provide new insights into chemotype-associated sesquiterpenoid divergence in A. lancea.

Tracing agricultural products' origin via 87Sr/86Sr is critical for food quality. This study identifies optimal proxy samples for baseline maps by analyzing Sr isotopes in three vegetation life-forms (perennial herbs, shrubs, trees) and their soils under diverse parent materials. The results indicate significant differences in Sr-isotopic composition between roots and soils, likely due to the heterogeneous geological origin of eolian soils. Trees and shrubs grown on residual parent materials exhibit homogeneous isotopic signatures across organs, with 87Sr/86Sr ratios strongly correlated (R2 > 0.85) with mixed surface vegetation samples. Thus, this study demonstrates that 87Sr/86Sr isoscapes constructed from multispecies vegetation sampling overcome methodological constraints arising from seasonal variations in agricultural traceability. These findings establish a theoretical foundation for a cross-plant-type origin-tracing framework capable of harmonizing divergent crop data sets and have implications for refining the methodology of botanical Sr sourcing.

Qing court records show that Arecae Semen was extensively applied. The royal medical records of the Qing Dynasty document nine types of Arecae Semen, with the Palace Museum preserving seven kinds, totaling twelve cultural relics. Historical documents and physical artifacts corroborate each other, providing evidence for the study of the supply channels and court processing of Arecae Semen in the Qing court. According to relevant Qing court archival records, the sources of Arecae Semen used in the imperial court were diverse, including tributes from foreign countries such as Vietnam and Gurkha, annual tributes from local governments in Guangdong, gifts from close aides, and commodities purchased by the Imperial Household Department from civilian shops. The imperial physicians of the Qing court placed great emphasis on the specifications of Arecae Semen slices and were extremely meticulous about their processing. The variety of Arecae Semen slices used in the Qing palace exceeded those recorded in the botanical texts of the era. Compared with the commonly used processing methods for Arecae Semen in the Qing Dynasty, the imperial physicians adjusted the properties and efficacy of the herbs through different processing techniques, based on the patient's condition, constitution, and other factors, in order to meet the clinical treatment needs of the court. The slicing of Arecae Semen in the Qing court required strict control of thickness, with an average thickness of 0.44 mm, which is significantly thinner than the Arecae Semen slices found in today's markets. The texture was softer, making them easier to chew and absorb. Both the Qing court Arecae Semen slices and the Muxiang Binglang Pills focused on the use of authentic medicinal materials, ensuring the quality of the medicine and enhancing the efficacy of Arecae Semen through meticulous selection and preparation.

Maidong products are categorized into "Hang Maidong" and "Chuan Maidong". Since the Ming and Qing Dynasties, "Hang Maidong" has been regarded as having superior quality, but currently, it remains in name only in the market. This article reviewed historical materia medica and local chronicles from the Ming and Qing Dynasties and analyzed the historical evolution of Maidong production areas. The history of Maidong production in Zhejiang can be traced back to the Song Dynasty, and cultivation had already developed by at least the Ming Dynasty. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it was consistently used as a tribute. Ming Dynasty chronicles record "Chuan Maidong", which had already been cultivated on a large scale by the Qing Dynasty. "Hang Maidong" and "Chuan Maidong" share the same origin, with the former identifiable by the "gourd waist" shape of its tuberous root. Based on this, it can be inferred that the "Maimendong" herb illustrated in the Origins of Materia Medica(Ben Cao Yuan Shi) and the Maidong stored in the Qing Palace Imperial Pharmacy were both "Hang Maidong". The protection and development of the authentic "Hang Maidong" medicinal herb are urgently needed.

Amber and subfossil resins are subjects of interdisciplinary research across multiple fields. However, due to their diverse origins and complex compositions, different disciplines vary in their definitions and functional interpretations. In traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), amber has been utilized as a medicinal material since ancient time, with extensive historical documentation. However, its classification, provenance, and nomenclature remain ambiguous, and authentic medicinal amber artifacts are exceedingly rare. This study employed Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) to characterize amber and subfossil resins from various geological sources and commercially "medicinal amber". Additionally, historical literature and market surveys were analyzed to explore their provenance, composition, and functional attributes. The results indicate that amber and subfossil resins from different sources and with different compositions exhibit distinct fingerprint characteristics in the FTIR spectral range of 1 800-700 cm~(-1). "Medicinal amber" available in the market primarily consists of subfossil or modern resins, significantly differing in composition and structure from geological amber. This study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research on amber identification and resource management. It is essential to establish a systematic database of amber and subfossil resin characteristics and integrate modern analytical techniques to enhance research on their composition, pharmacological mechanisms, and potential therapeutic effects, thereby promoting the standardized utilization of amber resources and advancing the modernization of TCM.

Sanqi is first recorded in the Compendium of Materia Medica(Ben Cao Gang Mu) in the Ming Dynasty. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Sanqi, as a precious Dao-di herb, was successively spread and introduced for cultivation. This study verified the germplasm resources, production areas, and spread of Sanqi in the Ming and Qing Dynasties by systematically reviewing the historical materials, such as materia medica works and local chronicles, and the modern distribution of production areas. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the original plants of Sanqi included Panax notoginseng, P. japonicus, P. bipinnatifidus, P. zingiberensis, P. stipuleanatus, and Gynura japonica. Among them, the production area of P. notoginseng has changed. From 1578 to 1593, the main production areas of P. notoginseng were Nandan county, Hechi city in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and Guangnan county and Funing county, Wenshan prefecture in Yunnan province. From 1683 to 1755, the production areas of P. notoginseng additionally included Yizhou district, Tian'e county, and Huanjiang county in Hechi city, and Tianyang district and Tiandong county in Baise city, Xincheng county and Gongcheng county in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. From 1765 to 1892, the production areas additionally included Youjiang district, Debao county, Napo county, and Jingxi city in Baise city, and Tiandeng county in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, and Wenshan city, Malipo county, Yanshan county, Xichou county, and Maguan county in Wenshan prefecture, and Baoshan city, Dali prefecture, Lincang city, Honghe prefecture, Mangshi city, and Lushui city in Yunnan province. During the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, Sanqi was introduced to Zhejiang province. During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, it was introduced to Fujian province. During the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty, it was introduced to Hunan province. By comprehensively reviewing the materia medica works, local chronicles, and novel historical materials, this study restores the development history of the Sanqi industry in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Historical data show that the introduction of Dao-di herbs should consider the biological characteristics of medicinal plants and avoid blind introduction.

Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (Fushen) is valued for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Fushen is commonly processed into slices of different shapes and sizes. We quantified alkali-soluble and water-soluble polysaccharides, total amino acids, and triterpenoids in Fushen slices of varying geometries (square: 1-9 cm width; round: 1-6 cm radii). Results showed that triterpenes and water-soluble polysaccharides initially decreased and then stabilized with increasing slice size, while total amino acids accumulated progressively, indicating spatial metabolic heterogeneity in Fushen. To map metabolite distribution, we segmented the Fushen into seven concentric zones and profiled the metabolites using a widely targeted metabolomics approach. A total of 359 metabolites were identified. The fungal symbiotic matrix exhibited metabolic profiles similar to the intermediate regions, while peripheral regions maintained comparable levels of triterpenes, saccharides, and amino acid derivatives. This study provides a detailed metabolomic blueprint of Fushen and offers insights for standardized processing and optimized medicinal use.

Bajitian is a commonly used Chinese medicinal material with a long history of medicinal use, and there is controversy over the authentication of its origins. This article combined historical herbal works with local chronicle records to authenticate the origins of Bajitian used in different regions, analyzed the local chronicle records, and illustrated the evolution of the origins of Bajitian in different regions. The results indicate that Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica first included Guizhou Bajitian and Chuzhou Bajitian. By integrating images and texts and local medicinal practices of Bajitian in the Guizhou and Chouzhou regions in ancient and modern times, it was inferred that the original plant of Guizhou Bajitian was likely to be Damnacanthus officinarum or D. giganteus, while the origin of Chuzhou Bajitian remained unclear. The medicinal history of Sichuan Bajitian was first recorded in the Supplementary Records of Famous Physicians during the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Based on the inference from herbal documents and local chronicle records, it was inferred that the original plant of Sichuan Bajitian may be Schisandra propinqua subsp. sinensis and so on. Guangdong Bajitian is an emerging variety in modern times, and it could date back to the Xingning County Annals in the 20th year during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty(1681). The original plant of Guangdong Bajitian is Morinda officinalis, and Guangdong province became the true producing area of Bajitian in the late Qing Dynasty. This article clarified the origins of Bajitian in different regions by sorting out historical herbal documents and local chronicle records, providing a basis for the authentication of Bajitian in the field of herbology.

Origin traceability is critical for food safety, and the strontium isotope ratio (87Sr/86Sr) has been widely used in this field due to its accuracy and stability. Establishing a regional baseline map of bioavailable 87Sr/86Sr is essential for precise traceability. However, the existing large-scale bioavailable Sr isotope map of China has low spatial resolution and uses water as the main sample, making it unsuitable for plant-derived food traceability. This study focused on Anhui, a major agricultural province in China. Based on geological lithology distribution, 149 plant samples were collected across Anhui to construct a fine-scale bioavailable 87Sr/86Sr map. The map enabled traceability of Anhui’s characteristic plant-derived foods, such as Cha (Camellia sinensis), Mugua (Chaenomeles speciosa), Fengdan (Paeonia ostii), Jiegeng (Platycodon grandiflorum), and Duohua Huangjing (Polygonatum cyrtonema). It provides a basis for food origin traceability in Anhui and supports market supervision of China’s geographical indication (GI) products.

Corydalis Rhizoma,recognized as one of the eight genuine medicinal materials in Zhejiang province,possesses the pharmacological functions of activating blood,regulating Qi movement,and relieving pain.The ploidy of Corydalis yanhusuo,the original plant of Corydalis Rhizoma,is complex,and the whole-genome maps of its closely related species have not yet been obtained,which restricts the research on the genome polyploidization and elite variety breeding of this group.This study employed chromosome preparation and karyotype analysis to reveal the chromosomal karyotypic characteristics of C.yanhusuo,C.turtschaninovii,C.humosa,C.caudata,and C.gamosepala from 20 populations across 8 provinces(municipalities and autonomous regions)in China.Flow cytometry was employed to estimate genome sizes.The results indicated that C.yanhusuo was predominantly tetraploid,with a few wild populations having pentaploidy and hexaploidy,and their genome sizes ranged from 1.24 Gb to 1.94 Gb.C.turtschaninovii was hexaploid,with a genome size of approximately 1.57 Gb.C.humosa,C.caudata,and C.gamosepala were diploid,with the genome sizes ranging from 0.56 Gb to 0.69 Gb.Furthermore,whole-genome high-throughput sequencing and two K-mer-based analyses were carried out on two sister species of C.yanhusuo:C.gamosepala and C.turtschaninovii.The results indicated that the genome size of C.gamosepala was(0.57±0.01)Gb,accompanied by a heterozygosity rate of 1.19％±0.15％and a repetitive sequence ratio of 61.19％±0.10％.The genome size of C.turtschaninovii was(1.57±0.07)Gb,along with a heterozygosity rate of 1.76％±0.73％and a repetitive sequence ratio of 91.52％±1.01％.Both of them were highly heterozygous and highly repetitive genomes.This study supplements cytological and genomic data for C.yanhusuo and its related species,laying a foundation for the utilization of C.yanhusuo germplasm resources and the research on polyploidization.

Paeonia lactiflora Pall. is an economically significant plant widely used in medicine and ornamentation, with a long history of cultivation. The prevalent cultivars of medicinal P. lactiflora in China display distinct morphological traits. Nevertheless, a systematic elucidation of their quality attributes remains to be achieved. This study employed ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS), combined with statistical analysis to investigate the metabolites of P. lactiflora roots in 17 medicinal cultivars from five major production regions in China. Significant morphological differences were observed in petal morphology, flower color, carpel features, as well as stem and leaf characteristics. In total, 167 compounds were identified or putatively characterized, including 101 phenolics, 36 terpenoids, 14 organic acids, eight amino acids, and eight other compounds (glycosides, polyols, lipids, and carbohydrates). The DD-SIMCA model established based on one-class classification successfully distinguished monopetalous red-flowered medicinal P. lactiflora from other types, and differentiated herbs of Dao-di regions from those of other regions. Monopetalous red-flowered cultivars, representing an abundant germplasm resource, exhibited relatively high levels of terpenoid and phenolic compounds. This study has addressed the issue of compositional differences among different cultivars, screened out high-quality medicinal cultivars of P. lactiflora, and provided a theoretical basis for germplasm breeding work. Meanwhile, these findings offer a scientific rationale for the traditional view that monopetalous red-flowered cultivars are superior in traditional medicinal applications.

Because producing area is one of important parameters affecting the quality of industrial products, geographic discrimination of industrial products becomes important. The use of strontium isotope ratio (87Sr/86Sr), a key geochemical tracer, to establish geographic discrimination model is in the ascendant. In the present work, a geographic discrimination model based on 87Sr/86Sr for Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (MOC), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), was established and was applied to trace the geographic origin of MOC relic in imperial pharmacy of Qing Dynasty for the first time. The value of 87Sr/86Sr was measured using a multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, by which the variabilities of 87Sr/86Sr were compared among different types of plants, different parts of the same plant, and different depths of soil to offer a reliable methodology. A reference map of 87Sr/86Sr was drawn containing 143 MOC samples data collected from 23 areas by empirical Bayesian kriging. As a result, regional difference on 87Sr/86Sr was observed from both of plant and soil samples, and no significant differences were observed for different types of plants or for different parts of the same plant in same geographic area. The 87Sr/86Sr of MOC reflected well to the bioavailable 87Sr/86Sr of soils at depths of 0-10 cm and 20-30 cm. The reference map of 87Sr/86Sr based on MOC data was successfully established with good predictive ability, from which the MOC relic was suggested to come from Hubei and Sichuan, and the result was further supported by the evidence from local chronicles in Qing Dynasty. This study extends the application of 87Sr/86Sr for provenance of TCM relics, providing direct evidence for the geographic origin of Dao-di herbs.

Bencao archaeology applies modern archaeological theories and methods to explore the intricate relationship between humans and medicinal substances, with a particular focus on unearthed drugs, medicinal sites, and related relics. This field aims to reconstruct the temporal and spatial frameworks of cultural remains and trace the historical evolution of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). From ancient to modern times, the origin of medicinal materials has often undergone changes. A critical task in bencao archaeology is the accurate identification of the origins of medicinal relics. Conducting research on the origins of ancient medicinal materials can promote the inheritance and development of TCM, providing a foundation for ensuring clinical efficacy and safety. Haitongpi, first recorded in the Haiyao Bencao during the Five Dynasties period, has a long history of medicinal use. It was later recorded in the Qing Dynasty's Yizong Jinjian, where it was featured as a key ingredient in Haitongpi Decoction, used to dispel wind-dampness and alleviate pain. However, the precise botanical origin of Haitongpi is difficult to determine based solely on historical texts, as the modern medicinal use of this term encompasses plants from four families and six species distributed across different regions. The imperial palace, as the residence of the highest rulers in China's feudal society and the center of state power, maintained a meticulous standard for the selection and quality of medicines used in the Qing imperial pharmacy. Medicinal relics of Haitongpi preserved in the National Palace Museum provide crucial material evidence for exploring its historical usage and origin during the Qing Dynasty. In this study, a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular archaeology, and chemical profiling was employed to identify the origin of Haitongpi relics (GU233758) from the Qing imperial pharmacy. Initially, ancient DNA was extracted from the relics, and shotgun metagenomic sequencing was conducted, identifying the sample as belonging to the genus Zanthoxylum. Complementary chemical analysis using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS revealed 20 characteristic compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, lignans, and coumarins, consistent with the chemical profile of Zanthoxylum. To further narrow down the species, a molecular phylogenetic tree was constructed using ITS, ETS, and trnH-psbA sequences. The results demonstrated a close genetic relationship between the Haitongpi sample and Zanthoxylum ailanthoides Sieb. et Zucc. By integrating morphological analysis, molecular techniques, and chemical characterization, this study established a systematic identification model for Qing Dynasty medicinal relics, progressing from family to genus to species. The findings confirmed that Haitongpi (GU233758) originated from the bark of Z. ailanthoides. This research not only provides a robust bencao archaeological foundation for tracing the origins of Haitongpi but also contributes to the preservation of Qing medical records and the inheritance of classic formulations. Moreover, it holds potential for improving clinical efficacy and medication safety through a deeper understanding of historical medicinal practices.

Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn, a traditional Chinese medicine rich in coumarin, belongs to the Apiaceae family. A high-quality assembled genome of P. praeruptorum is lacking, which has posed obstacles to functional identification and molecular evolution studies of genes associated with coumarin production. Here, a chromosome-scale reference genome of P. praeruptorum, an important medicinal and aromatic plant, was first sequenced and assembled using Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Hi-C sequencing. The final assembled genome size was 1.83 Gb, with a contig N50 of 11.12 Mb. The entire BUSCO evaluation and second-generation read comparability rates were 96.0 % and 99.31 %, respectively. Furthermore, 99.91 % of the genome was anchored to 11 pseudochromosomes. The comparative genomic study revealed the presence of 18,593 orthogroups, which included 476 species-specific orthogroups and 1211 expanded gene families. Two whole-genome duplication (WGD) events and one whole-genome triplication (WGT) event occurred in P. praeruptorum. In addition to the γ-WGT shared by core eudicots or most eudicots, the first WGD was shared by Apiales, while the most recent WGD was unique to Apiaceae. Our study demonstrated that WGD events that occurred in Apioideae highlighted the important role of tandem duplication in the biosynthesis of coumarins and terpenes in P. praeruptorum. Additionally, the expansion of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, O-methyltransferase, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, and terpene synthase families may be associated with the abundance of coumarins and terpenoids. Moreover, we identified >170 UDP-glucosyltransferase members that may be involved in the glycosylation post-modification of coumarins. Significant gene expansion was observed in the ABCG, ABCB, and ABCC subgroups of the ABC transporter family, potentially facilitating the transmembrane transport of coumarins after bolting. The P. praeruptorum genome provides valuable insights into the machinery of coumarin biosynthesis and enhances our understanding of Apiaceae evolution.

This study aims to reveal the differences in the species and relative content of metabolites in the leaf and root tuber of Fallopia multiflora and improve the comprehensive utilization rate of F. multiflora resources. The metabolites in the root tubers and leaves of F. multiflora were detected by widely targeted metabolomics based on ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS). The principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis were carried out to screen the differential metabolites between the leaf and root tuber of F. multiflora. The result showed that a total of 1 942 metabolites in 15 categories were detected in the leaf and root tuber of F. multiflora, including 1 861 metabolites in the root tuber, 1 901 metabolites in the leaf, and 1 820 metabolites in both. The metabolites were mainly phenolic acids, flavonoids, amino acids and derivatives, and alkaloids. A total of 1 200 differential metabolites were screened out, accounting for 65.9% of the total metabolites. Among these differential metabolites, 813 and 387 showed higher content in the leaf and root tuber, respectively. Flavonoids were the metabolites with the largest number and the most significant differences between the leaf and root tuber, and stilbenes and anthraquinones as the main active compounds mainly existed in the root tuber. The KEGG enrichment results suggested that the differential metabolites were mainly enriched in flavonoid and flavonol biosynthesis pathways and linoleic acid metabolism pathway. This study discovered abundant metabolites in F. multiflora. The metabolites were similar but had great differences in the content between the leaf and root tuber. The research results provide theoretical guidance for the development and utilization of F. multiflora resources.

The graveyard of the Haihun Marquis in Nanchang is the largest and best-preserved Han Dynasty mausoleum discovered in China. Within the tomb's beam bank (M1), archaeologists have uncovered a variety of plant remains, such as melon seeds, the traits and origins of which warrant timely investigation. Cucumis melo L. has a long history of being cultivated and consumed in China. In this study, macroscopic identification techniques, scanning electron microscopy, and cluster analyses of the seeds of ancient C. melo and 16 varieties of modern melons (9 with thick skin, 6 with thin skin, and 1 thick/thin-skinned hybrid) were performed to compare their morphological trait indexes and seed coat ultrastructures. Through the measurement of various morphological parameters (length, width, upper one-third width, lower one-third width, thickness, and surface area) of each type of melon seed and subsequent cluster analysis of the morphological data, the ancient melon was determined to belong to the same cluster as the C. melo varieties "Lvbao", "Huangpi", "Boyang No. 9", "Malianzhuang", "Yangjiaomi", and "Zhimami", exhibiting the closest affinity to the thin-skinned types, particularly "Huangpi", "Malianzhuang", and "Zhimami". Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the epidermal ultrastructure revealed that the reticulated morphology of the seed coat of the ancient melon closely resembled that of the thin-skinned melon. Consequently, we hypothesize that the melon seeds excavated from the graveyard of the Haihun Marquis belong to the thin-skinned type of melon.