1H-NMR-Based Metabolomics for the Classification of the Roots of Paeonia lactiflora, a Constituent of Kampo Medicines.

The root of Paeonia lactiflora (PAEONIAE RADIX) is a constituent of the traditional Japanese medicines (Kampo) and is known to have various effects. Peony roots cultivated in Japan and China are available in the Japanese market for medicinal use. In this study, the chemical diversity of ten available peony roots in the market that differed in their cultivation area was investigated using 1H-NMR metabolomics techniques. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis of the 1H-NMR spectra of the peony roots methanolic extracts revealed a clear difference between the metabolic profiles of Japanese and Chinese peony roots. By preparative procedures using chromatography based on 1H-NMR spectra measurements, oxypaeoniflorin and (+)-catechin were found to be specific compounds for Japanese peony root. All peony roots used in this study were listed in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia. Therefore, the differences in the constituents of these peony roots might be attributed to growing conditions than differences in species. Cultivation conditions also influence the quality of natural medicines.