Conclusions
This integrative study validated yellow-flowered Meconopsis as a credible alternative to its blue-flowered counterpart for anti-inflammatory applications. Metabolic profiling provided initial clues regarding their multi-targeted modes of action, highlighting their potential for sustainable utilization and biodiversity conservation.
Methods
Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques were used to analyze the chemical profiles of yellow- and blue-flowered Meconopsis. Putative targets of shared constituents were subjected to GO and disease enrichment analysis. The LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophage model was employed to assess anti-inflammatory effects. Metabolomics was applied to gain mechanistic insights.
Results
LC-MS revealed over 70% chemical similarity between species. Enrichment analysis associated targets with inflammation-related pathways. In macrophage assays, both species demonstrated dose-dependent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities, with yellow Meconopsis exhibiting superior efficacy. Metabolomics showed modulation of key inflammatory metabolic pathways. Conclusions: This integrative study validated yellow-flowered Meconopsis as a credible alternative to its blue-flowered counterpart for anti-inflammatory applications. Metabolic profiling provided initial clues regarding their multi-targeted modes of action, highlighting their potential for sustainable utilization and biodiversity conservation.