Metabolite Differences and Anthocyanin Quantitative Analysis of Black Wolfberry from Different Regions

WU Jingjie; LIU Hongxia

doi:10.15933/j.cnki.1004-3268.2026.01.007

Abstract：In order to clarify the differences in metabolite composition and anthocyanin content among black wolfberries(Lycium ruthenicum)from different origins,so as to provide a basis for quality evaluation and origin identification of black wolfberries,based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS/MS)technology combined with multivariate statistical analysis,the metabolic differences of black wolfberries from three origins,namely,Qaidam Basin in Qinghai Province(QHL),Linzhi City in Tibet Autonomous Region(XZL),and Shenmu City in Shaanxi Province(SXL),were systematically compared,and a quantitative analysis method of anthocyanin was established for determination and comparison.The results showed that a total of 21 categories and 629 metabolites were identified in the fruits of black wolfberries from the three origins,with flavonoids,amino acids and their derivatives,and organic acids and their derivatives accounting for a relatively higher proportion.Principal component analysis(PCA)and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA)results indicated significant differences in the metabolism of black wolfberries from the three origins.The screening results of differential metabolites showed that there were 494 differential metabolites between SXL and QHL black wolfberries,111 between XZL and QHL black wolfberries,and 478 between XZL and SXL.The quantitative analysis results of anthocyanins showed that,calculated as delphinidin-3-O-glucoside(DPG)equivalents,the total anthocyanin content of QHL black wolfberries was the highest,at 49.71 mg/g;XZL was second,at 37.58 mg/g;and SXL was the lowest,at 32.23 mg/g.The KEGG enrichment analysis results indicated that the differential metabolites were mainly enriched in pathways related to tryptophan metabolism,amino acid biosynthesis,and flavonoid biosynthesis.In summary,there were significant differences in the metabolites of black wolfberry fruits from Qinghai,Tibet,and Shaanxi,with the highest anthocyanin content in Qinghai origin,and these differences were mainly enriched in pathways related to amino acid and flavonoid biosynthesis.