Analysis of Non-volatile Component Differences and Metabolic Pathways in Various Forms of Dracaena cochinchinensis Resin-Containing drugs Using Untargeted Metabolomics and Molecular Networking

Objective : The aim of this study is to systematically characterize the non-volatile metabolite profiles of three representative resin-containing drugs—namely, the resin-secreting aggregated sample LZ, the whole body resin-containing sample MZ, and the hollow cork cambium sample P—in Dracaena. By analyzing the patterns of defensive metabolic reprogramming induced by different levels of damage, and elucidating the mechanisms connecting defensive signal transduction with Dracaena Draconis synthesis, we seek to identify theoretical targets for the strategic induction of resin accumulation. Methods : Three distinct types of morphological samples were systematically analyzed utilizing UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS within a non-targeted metabolomics framework. This approach was further enhanced through the construction of FBMN and the application of multivariate statistical analyses, including PCA, PLS-DA, OPLS-DA. Molecular network analysis was conducted using the GNPS platform. Additionally, statistical modeling and differential metabolite screening were executed via MetaboAnalyst and SIMCA, employing criteria of VIP > 1, |FC| > 2, and P < 0.05. Furthermore, KEGG metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was performed to elucidate the biological implications of the identified metabolites. Results : This study identified 314 non-volatile compounds, primarily flavonoids, lipids, and phenolic derivatives. The OPLS-DA model highlighted significant differences in metabolites among LZ vs. MZ, MZ vs. P, and LZ vs. P groups, with 81, 80, and 30 metabolites, respectively. These were mainly linked to flavonoid biosynthesis, galactose, linoleic acid, and phenylalanine metabolism. The LZ form overexpresses defensive flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenylamines for acute stress response. The MZ form is rich in steroids and fatty acids to maintain lipid balance during chronic drought. The P form enhances lignin monomers for physical barrier repair. These resin-containing medicinal materials from Dracaena cochinchinensis represent a metabolic continuum: P (basic repair), MZ (resin adaptation), and LZ (defensive burst).