Metabolite profiling and characterization of potential anticancer constituents from Garcinia subfalcata using UPLC-IMS-QTOF-MS

Garcinia subfalcata, an edible species endemic to China, has limited research on its chemical composition and biological effects. This study aimed to analyze metabolites in different plant parts and identify potential anticancer constituents. Using UPLC-IMS-QTOF-MS-based metabolomics, a total of 124 compounds were identified, with xanthones, flavonoids and phloroglucinols being the predominant compounds. PCA and PLS-DA analyses revealed significant metabolite differences among plant parts, identifying 28 differential metabolites, including bronianone and (±)-fukugiside. Antiproliferative assays showed varying bioactivities, with bark exhibiting the highest cytotoxicity against A549, HeLa and HGC-27 cells (IC50: 2.72-5.71 μg/mL). Mechanism studies indicated that the bark inhibited cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential. S-plot models revealed 23 potential anticancer constituents, including (-)-epicatechin and 1,7-dihydroxyxanthone. These findings highlight G. subfalcata's potential as a source of functional food supplements and medicinal agents and indicate the efficacy of UPLC-IMS-QTOF-MS-based metabolomics in exploring bioactive components within Garcinia.