Chemical Profiling of the Aerial Parts and Roots of Ixeris dentata Using LCQTOF-MS Combined with Multivariate Chemometric Analysis

Abstract

Ixeris dentata (Thunb. ex Thunb.) Nakai (Asteraceae) is a perennial herb distributed throughout East Asia including Korea, China and Japan. Both its aerial parts and roots are edible as a bitter appetizing vegetable. In addition, they have been used in folk medicine for the treatment of various diseases. In the present study, the chemical profiles of the aerial parts and roots of I. dentata were investigated using HPLC-QTOF-MS combined with multivariate chemometric analysis. From 18 samples collected in 7 different areas, 30 compounds were characterized and most of them were sesquiterpenes and flavonoids. Principal component analysis of them clearly distinguished the samples of I. dentata by the parts, aerial parts and roots. The loading plots gave the information about the important compounds responsible for the discrimination between plant parts. Hierarchical cluster analysis also showed clear distinction between two parts. Although I. dentata samples derived from the same plant, there was difference in their chemical profiles, which might account for their different uses.