Organ-Dependent Comparative Metabolomic Profiling of Actinidia arguta Using LC-QTOF-MS Reveals Enrichment of Condensed Tannins in Roots

초록

Actinidia arguta is a valuable plant resource known for its diverse bioactive constituents. However, organ-dependent metabolic variation remains insufficiently explored. In this study, an integrated approach combining LC-QTOF-MS-based metabolomic profiling, multivariate analysis, and phytochemical isolation was employed to investigate metabolic differences among fruits, leaves, and roots of A. arguta. Comparative LC-QTOF-MS profiling and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed clear organ-specific metabolic differentiation. The root extract formed a distinct cluster, primarily characterized by flavan-3-ol oligomers, including procyanidin dimers and a trimer. Targeted isolation and spectroscopic analysis identified these compounds as major constituents of the root. Quantitative analysis showed that the root exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (60.8 +/- 6.2%) and total phenolic content (10.8 +/- 0.7 mg GAE/g dried weight), followed by leaves and fruits, indicating significant organ-dependent variation. The enhanced antioxidant activity observed in the root extract was consistent with the enrichment of oligomeric procyanidins, which are known for their strong radical-scavenging capacity. These findings demonstrate pronounced organ-specific metabolic specialization in A. arguta, with the root characterized by a condensed tannin-dominant chemical profile. This study highlights the potential of root-derived procyanidins as bioactive natural products and provides a basis for their utilization in functional and phytochemical applications, as well as insights into plant defense-related metabolism.

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