Is Himantoglossum robertianum a medicinal orchid? Unveiling a striking phytochemical parallel with Gastrodia elata

Himantoglossum robertianum (Loisel.) P. Delforge is a widespread orchid of the Mediterranean region, where its hypogeum organs are traditionally consumed as food [ 1 ]. Despite their ecological, medicinal, and evolutionary significance, orchids remain understudied in terms of their metabolite profile. For instance, aside from the volatile composition of flowers [ 2 ] and the identification of two dihydrophenanthrenes in the bulbs [ 3 ], nothing was known about the metabolome of H. robertianum . In this study, we provide the first metabolic fingerprinting of this orchid, identifying its signature compounds in bulbs, inflorescences, and leaves by NMR profiling (following the classical metabolomics protocol [ 4 ]) complemented by LC-MS. Unexpectedly, our results revealed notable similarities between H. robertianum and Gastrodia elata Blume, a well-known orchid whose rhizome is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for neurological disorders. All H. robertianum organs, especially the leaves, were found to be rich in gastrodigenin and its related compounds gastrodin, bis(4-hydroxy benzyl) ether, and parishins (parishin A, C, and E). Parishin A was the most abundant specialized metabolite, ranging from 43 to 104 mg/g DW in bulb and leaf, respectively. This suite of bioactive molecules has recognized pharmacological activities, particularly for the central nervous system [ 5 ]. Our findings suggest that H. robertianum , which has been cited in several ethnobotanical reports of the Mediterranean area, could represent a promising natural source of neuroactive compounds. Moreover, since leaves were identified as the richest source of these compounds, a more sustainable alternative to harvesting hypogeum organs, as practiced with G. elata , can be hypothesized. Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany