Toward sustainable utilization: A multi-dimensional evaluation reveals the distinct chemical and toxicological profile of Rheum maximowiczii, a traditional Central Asian medicinal resource
Аннотация
Rheum maximowiczii Losinsk . is a Central Asian rhubarb increasingly considered for cultivation, yet its industrial utilization is hindered by limited chemical and safety evidence . To evaluate its potential as a novel industrial crop, this study performed a multi-dimensional comparative assessment against the cultivated benchmark Rheum tanguticum . We integrated targeted quantification, metabolomics analysis, delayed luminescence (DL) phenotyping, and zebrafish embryo acute toxicity testing. Metabolomics revealed a distinct chemotype for R. maximowiczii , marked by significantly lower anthraquinones but a relatively enriched profile of phenolic acids like catechin and gallic acid, aligning with its traditional uses. DL, a rapid biophysical tool, effectively differentiated the species and correlated strongly with these phenolic compounds, suggesting its utility for quality screening. A pivotal and unexpected finding was the acute toxicity profile. R. maximowiczii exhibited a potent, "switch-like" lethality with an LC₅₀ over three times lower than that of R. tanguticum , despite its low anthraquinone content. This reveals a chemical-toxicity disconnect, suggesting that its safety assessment from conventional frameworks. Our findings provide the first foundational dataset for R. maximowiczii , establishing that its responsible industrialization requires a dedicated strategy focused on its unique chemistry, tailored safety evaluation, and the development of adapted rapid quality control technologies.