Widely targeted metabolomic deciphers the vertical spatial distribution of flavor substances in Houttuynia cordata Thunb

The volatile components in Houttuynia cordata Thunb. have a distinctive odor, which is the source of their unique flavor as food. Although volatile compounds are widely present in Houttuynia cordata Thunb., little is known about their accumulation in vertical distribution in different organs. In this study, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and chemometrics were used to determine volatile substance's types and relative con-tents, especially 2-undecanone in different parts of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. The results showed that 933 species and 16 classes of volatile compounds were identified in the leaves, aerial stems, subterranean stems, and roots. Among them, the accumulation of 2-undecanone, D-limonene, and alpha-pinene were significantly higher in subterranean stems than in other organs. The related KEGG pathway-limonene and pinene degradation, was identified. The study's results can provide a reference for the industrial extraction and utilization of volatile compounds from different parts of Houttuynia cordata Thunb.

Automated summary

This study used GC-MS and chemometrics to determine the types and relative contents of volatile substances, especially 2-undecanone, in different parts of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. The results showed that the accumulation of 2-undecanone, D-limonene, and alpha-pinene were significantly higher in subterranean stems than in other organs. The study also identified the related KEGG pathway-limonene and pinene degradation. These findings can serve as a reference for the industrial extraction and utilization of volatile compounds from different parts of Houttuynia cordata Thunb.