Exploring the Medicinal Potential of Taraxacum Kok-Saghyz (TKS) Using Widely Targeted Metabolomics

Background/Objectives: Plant-derived secondary metabolites have long contributed to the discovery of novel therapeutic agents, especially in the treatment of parasitic and infectious diseases in developing countries. Metabolomics provides a systems-level approach to understanding plant biochemistry, enabling the discovery of secondary metabolites with pharmacological relevance. Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS), widely known for its rubber-producing capabilities, remains underexplored as a medicinal plant. Given the well-established therapeutic properties of Taraxacum officinale and the emerging pharmacological profiles of related species, this study investigates the metabolic composition of TKS roots and leaves to uncover bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or hepatoprotective potential. Methods: Widely targeted metabolomics was conducted on 10-month-old field-grown Kultevar™ TKS plants using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Samples were hand-harvested and preserved on dry ice to maintain biochemical integrity. Metabolite identification and classification were performed using the MWDB and KEGG databases. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to evaluate metabolic variation between tissues. Results: A total of 1813 metabolites were identified, including flavonoids, alkaloids, lipids, amino acids, and phenolic compounds. Differential analysis revealed 964 significantly altered metabolites—609 downregulated and 355 upregulated in roots relative to leaves. Multivariate analysis confirmed clear tissue-specific metabolic profiles. KEGG pathway enrichment highlighted the involvement of flavonoid biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism pathways, suggesting bioactive potential. This study presents the first comprehensive metabolic profile of TKS, highlighting its potential value beyond rubber production. The detection of numerous therapeutic secondary metabolites supports its promise as a pharmaceutical and nutraceutical resource. Further functional validation of identified compounds is warranted.