Influence of Wild and Cultivated Environments on the Antioxidant and Medicinal Components of Rhodiola sachalinensis A. Boriss.

Abstract

Rhodiola sachalinensis A. Boriss., recognized for its significant medicinal potential, is increasingly threatened by overharvesting in wild habitats. This study aims to elucidate the phytochemical and pharmacological distinctions between wild and cultivated R. sachalinensis to support sustainable cultivation practices. Utilizing UPLC and GC-MS, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of primary metabolites (e.g., soluble sugars, amino acids) and secondary metabolites (e.g., phenolic compounds, flavonoids) in both root and aboveground tissues from wild and cultivated sources. Results revealed that habitat plays a critical role in metabolite composition, with wild R. sachalinensis roots showing notably higher antioxidant properties and concentrations of key secondary metabolites, including epigallocatechin, which are linked to the plant’s medicinal efficacy. Conversely, cultivated plants demonstrated elevated levels of primary metabolites, reflecting adaptation to nutrient-rich, soil-based growth environments. These findings underscore the pharmacological importance of environmental factors in optimizing R. sachalinensis for medicinal use and highlight essential considerations for its sustainable cultivation strategies.