Identification of metabolites in different parts of Juandan Baihe (Lilium lancifolium) by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and their hypoglycemic activities

Objective To identify the main components in the extracts of different parts of Juandan Baihe (Lilium lancifolium) by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) technology and investigate their hypoglycemic activities. Methods The MS fragmentation pathways of the main types of compounds in Juandan Baihe (Lilium lancifolium) were studied, and the main components in the extracts were systematically identified using MS fragmentation pathways combined with MS mining technology. Based on the hyperglycemia male mouse model [specific pathogen free (SPF)-grade Kunming mice] induced by streptozotocin (intragastric administration of 80 mg/kg for 3 d), the hypoglycemic effects of extracts of Juandan Baihe (Lilium lancifolium) roots, stems, corms, leaves, and flowers were evaluated by measuring the changes of blood glucose, daily water consumption, daily food intake, and body weight. Results The MS fragmentation pathways of regalosides, dioscins, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, and chlorogenic acids in Juandan Baihe (Lilium lancifolium) were clarified, and a mining method for compounds in this plant was constructed. A total of 58 compounds, including 6 chlorogenic acids, 14 regalosides, 13 phenylpropanoids, 5 flavonoids, and 20 dioscins, were identified from the roots, stems, corms, leaves, and flowers of Juandan Baihe (Lilium lancifolium). Among them, 30 compounds were reported for the first time from this plant. The root and corm extracts demonstrated significant hypoglycemic activities by reducing blood glucose levels from 23.76 ± 1.21 and 24.29 ± 1.35 mmol/L to 17.21 ± 1.23 and 18.78 ± 1.49 mmol/L, respectively (P < 0.05). The roots and corms extracts could also attenuate the symptoms of polydipsia (P < 0.01), polyphagia (P < 0.05), and weight loss caused by diabetes. Conclusion This study clarifies that the roots of Juandan Baihe (Lilium lancifolium) are rich in regalosides and dioscins for the first time, and have significant hypoglycemic activities, providing the foundation for the comprehensive utilization of this plant and the development of hypoglycemic drugs.