3D Imaging and metabolomic profiling reveal higher neuroactive kavalactone contents in lateral roots and crown root peels of Piper methysticum (kava)

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND: Kava is an important neuroactive medicinal plant. While kava has a large global consumer footprint for its clinical and recreational use, factors related to its use lack standardization and the tissue-specific metabolite profile of its neuroactive constituents is not well understood.

RESULTS: Here we characterized the metabolomic profile and spatio-temporal characteristics of tissues from the roots and stems using cross-platform metabolomics and a 3D imaging approach. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed the highest content of kavalactones in crown root peels and lateral roots. Infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) imaging revealed a unique tissue-specific presence of each target kavalactone. X-ray micro-computed tomography analysis demonstrated that lateral roots have morphological characteristics suitable for synthesis of the highest content of kavalactones.

CONCLUSIONS: These results provide mechanistic insights into the social and clinical practice of the use of only peeled roots by linking specific tissue characteristics to concentrations of neuroactive compounds.

INSTRUMENT(S): Liquid Chromatography MS - Negative (LC-MS (Negative)), Gas Chromatography MS - Positive (GC-MS (Positive)), Liquid Chromatography MS - Positive (LC-MS (Positive))

SUBMITTER: Yogini Jaiswal 

PROVIDER: MTBLS1485 | MetaboLights | 2020-10-28

REPOSITORIES: MetaboLights