Chemical profiles changes in Belamcanda chinensis: A metabolomic analysis of crude and processed samples

Belamcanda chinensis (BC) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with a long history of use. However, there are few studies investigating the variations in chemical composition between unprocessed and processed BC. This study aimed to identify the differential compounds present after the processing of BC and to establish a scientific basis for optimizing its processing technology and quality control. In this study, three types of processed BC products were prepared based on relevant literature and historical texts: water extract of rice-processed (RB), leaves of Phyllostachys bambusoides Sieb. et Zucc-processed (PB), and a combination of water extract of rice with leaves of Phyllostachys bambusoides Sieb. et Zucc-processed (RPB). Ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) fingerprint analysis was performed on an Agilent 1290 liquid chromatograph to evaluate the similarity of the 10 principal flavonoids among different BC samples. Additionally, an untargeted metabolomics approach using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) was utilized to identify differential metabolites. Fingerprint analysis showed no significant differences in the 10 main flavonoids between unprocessed and processed samples. Untargeted metabolomics identified 85 differential metabolites, with 57, 60, and 63 metabolites detected in the RB, PB, and RPB processed groups, respectively. Compared with raw BC, the RB group showed increased levels of 16 metabolites and decreased levels of 41; the PB group exhibited 11 upregulated and 49 downregulated metabolites; while the RPB group demonstrated 15 elevated and 48 reduced metabolites. Among these processed groups, PB and RPB exhibited more similar metabolic profiles compared to RB. These findings represent the first systematic investigation into the chemical composition of processed BC, thereby addressing a critical gap in the existing research. Furthermore, they establish a scientific foundation for optimizing processing techniques and enhancing quality control, while also contributing to the modernization and reinterpretation of traditional processing theories.