Key secondary metabolite markers for Wuchang Daohuaxiang rice discrimination in China

[Display omitted] •Widely targeted metabolomics were utilized by UPLC-MS/MS tool.•Potential authenticity identification model for WYD rice was established.•Possible key secondary metabolites of WYD rice were proposed. This study aimed to comprehensively elucidate the vital secondary metabolites of Wuchang Daohuaxiang (DHX) rice through widely targeted metabolomics analysis. Among the secondary metabolites detected, a total of 30 differential ones were screened out and categorized into 4 different classes, including 6 alkaloids (20%), 15 flavonoids (50%), 6 phenolic acids (20%), and 3 terpenoids (10%) between DHX and control groups. Of these, compounds as zarzissine, fagomine, arbutin, p-Hydroxypheny-β-D-allopyranoside, pimaric acid, kaurenoic acid, and isopimaric acid were more abundant in DHX than control group, with the possibility in serve as key secondary metabolites of DHX rice. Furthermore, arbutin, trigonelline and 6′-O-Feruloyl-D-sucrose were optimized as potential biomarkers for DHX rice discrimination. This study would supply data support for DHX rice authenticity and quality improvement.