Metabolomics‐based analysis of nitric oxide regulation of ginseng herb quality

BACKGROUND Ginsenosides, the primary active ingredients in Panax ginseng, are secondary metabolites. However, their content varies significantly across batches due to differences in environmental conditions and production methods. Ecological stress can increase the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plants, and ROS can enhance secondary metabolism. Nitric oxide (NO) can promote the production of O2·‐ and H2O2. This study utilized physiological and non‐targeted metabolomics to investigate how NO regulates ginseng quality and how P. ginseng adapts to adversity. RESULTS Sodium nitroprusside (SNP, an NO donor) at 0.5 mmol·L−1 significantly increased ROS levels, with O2·‐ increasing by 64.3% (P < 0.01) and H2O2 by 79.2% (P < 0.01). Nitric oxide influenced P. ginseng metabolism, with 24 metabolites showing significant differences. Rotenone, lactic acid, and gluconic acid, which are involved in ROS metabolism, increased significantly, whereas tyrosine decreased. Metabolites involved in secondary metabolic pathways, including campesterol, ginsenosides Rh1, Rb1, Rc, Rd, Rg3, phenylalanine, and tryptophan, increased markedly, whereas 2,3‐oxidosqualene, glucose 1‐phosphate, ferulic acid, and pyrogallol decreased. Isocitric acid, succinic acid, and 3‐isopropylmalic acid, associated with respiratory metabolism, showed significant increases, but pyruvic acid decreased. Finally, 18:0 Lyso PC and 9‐hydroxy‐10E,12Z‐octadecadienoic acid, linked to cell membrane protection, increased significantly, and mannose and raffinose decreased. CONCLUSION Sodium nitroprusside enhances the physiological resilience of P. ginseng under stress and improves its quality. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.