Metabolomics reveals the importance of metabolites in Mussaenda pubescens for antioxidant properties and quality traits

Abstract Background Mussaenda pubescens is an important source of medicinal plant that has been used as medicine or dried instead of tea. However, there are few studies on the thorough and dynamic assessment of metabolites presented in Mussaenda pubescens. Methods In this study, UHPLC-MS/MS approach and biochemical analysis were used to investigate the substance changes of leaves at different developmental stages. Result A total of 957 metabolites were identified, among which 202, 54 and 254 metabolites showed differential accumulation in three comparisons. The up-regulated metabolites were the major factors driving the function and quality of Mussaenda pubescens. The main pathways involved “Flavone and flavonol biosynthesis”, “Phenylalanine metabolism”, “ABC transporters”, “Folate biosynthesis”, and “Fructose and mannose metabolism”. Phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids and anthocyanin were the primary contributors to differential antioxidant activities of bud, tender, and mature leaves. Conclusions These results provide a novel insight into formation mechanism of metabolites and the development of Mussaenda pubescenstea.