Comparative Evaluation of the Chemical Components and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Yellow- and Blue-Flowered <i>Meconopsis</i> Species: <i>M. integrifolia</i> and <i>M. betonicifolia</i>

• Published in: Metabolites
• Main Authors: Peizhao Cheng, Ruixi Gan, Cong Wang, Qian Xu, Kelsang Norbu, Feng Zhou, Sixin Kong, Zhuoma Jia, Dawa Jiabu, Xin Feng, Junsong Wang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2024-10-01
• Subjects: <i>Meconopsis</i>; <i>Meconopsis integrifolia</i>; <i>Meconopsis betonicifolia</i>; anti-inflammation; metabolomics; traditional Tibetan medicine
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/14/10/563

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> <i>Meconopsis</i> has long been used in traditional Tibetan medicine to treat various inflammatory and pain-related conditions. However, blue-flowered <i>Meconopsis</i> (<i>M. betonicifolia</i>) is becoming increasingly scarce due to overharvesting. As a potential alternative, yellow-flowered <i>Meconopsis</i> (<i>M. integrifolia</i>) shows promise but requires comprehensive characterization. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the anti-inflammatory potential of yellow- and blue-flowered <i>Meconopsis</i> species. <b>Methods:</b> Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques were used to analyze the chemical profiles of yellow- and blue-flowered <i>Meconopsis</i>. Putative targets of shared constituents were subjected to GO and disease enrichment analysis. The LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophage model was employed to assess anti-inflammatory effects. Metabolomics was applied to gain mechanistic insights. <b>Results:</b> LC-MS revealed over 70% chemical similarity between species. Enrichment analysis associated targets with inflammation-related pathways. In macrophage assays, both species demonstrated dose-dependent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities, with yellow <i>Meconopsis</i> exhibiting superior efficacy. Metabolomics showed modulation of key inflammatory metabolic pathways. <b>Conclusions:</b> This integrative study validated yellow-flowered <i>Meconopsis</i> as a credible alternative to its blue-flowered counterpart for anti-inflammatory applications. Metabolic profiling provided initial clues regarding their multi-targeted modes of action, highlighting their potential for sustainable utilization and biodiversity conservation.