Metabolomic profiles and health-promoting functions of Camellia drupifera mature-seeds were revealed relate to their geographical origins using comparative metabolomic analysis and network pharmacology approach

•Metabolomic profiles of Camellia drupifera mature-seeds from Hainan and Liangguang are different.•Camellia drupifera mature-seeds from Hainan produced more human health-promoting ingredients than that from Liangguang.•Flavone and flavonol biosynthesis played important roles to the local adaption of Camellia drupifera mature-seeds.•Potential indicators were established to separate Camellia drupifera mature-seeds from Hainan out of Liangguang. To insight into the chemical components and their health-promoting function of Camellia drupifera mature-seeds (CMS) in Hainan and Liangguang, UPLC-MS/MS- and HS-SPME/GC–MS-based metabolomic analyses and network pharmacology approaches were combined preformed to Camellia drupifera mature-seeds samples (CMSSs). Totally, 1057 metabolites were identified, of which 76 and 99 metabolites were annotated as key active ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicines and the active pharmaceutical ingredients for seven human disease-resistance, respectively. Comparative analysis revealed different metabolomic profiles of CMSSs from Hainan and Liangguang. KEGG annotation and enrichment analysis showed secondary metabolic pathways, especially “flavone and flavonol biosynthesis”, were played important roles. Finally, 22 metabolites that only detected in CMSSs from Hainan or Liangguang were explored as potential indicators to separate CMS from Hainan out of Liangguang. Our findings enhanced the understanding of chemical compositions of CMS and provided valuable information for the healthy development of oil-tea Camellia industry in Hainan.