Metabolomic profiling of the antitussive and expectorant plant Tussilago farfara L. by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and multivariate data analysis

This study aims to find metabolites responsible for antitussive and expectorant activities of Tussilago farfara L. by metabolomic approach. Different parts (roots, flower buds, and leaves) of the title plant were analyzed systematically. The in vivo study revealed that the leaves and flower buds had strong antitussive and expectorant effects. Then 1H NMR spectrometry together with principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant (PLS-DA) analysis were used to investigate the compounds responsible for the bioactivities. PCA was used to find the differential metabolites, while PLS-DA confirmed a strong correlation between the observed effects and the metabolic profiles of the plant. The result revealed that chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and rutin may be closely related with the antitussive and expectorant activities. The overall results of this study confirm the benefits of using metabolic profiling for screening active principles in medicinal plants.

Tussilago farfara L. (Asteraceae) has been widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years in China. Chemical and biological comparison and evaluation of leaves, flower buds, and roots have been conducted to reveal the possible correlation between metabolites and biological effects.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Leaves and flower buds had strong antitussive and expectorant effects.
► Differential metabolites between the leaves, buds and roots were found using PCA.
► Strong correlation exits between the observed effects and the metabolic profiles.
► Phenolics may be closely related with the antitussive and expectorant activities.