Comparative Metabolomics Analysis of Gastrodia elata Blume Different Growth Stages: Insights into Chemical Composition and Bioactivities

Background: Gastrodia elata Blume (GE) is a valuable traditional Chinese medicine with a wide range of clinical applications, yet the relationship between its developmental stages, phytochemical profiles, and functional properties remains poorly characterized. Methods: In this study, an integrated approach combining chemical assays and UHPLC–Orbitrap–MS/MS-based untargeted metabolomics was employed to characterize three growth stages: Mima (MT, seed tubers), Baima (BT, immature tubers), and Jianma (JT, mature tubers). Results: Multivariate statistical analyses demonstrated clear stage-dependent discrimination in metabolic profiles. A total of 31 differential metabolites were identified, including parishin derivatives, phenolics, amino acids, and organic acids. Specifically, Parishin E, Parishin G, total phenolics, and total flavonoids predominated in the early stage (MT), whereas gastrodin and Parishin C progressively accumulated and peaked in the mature stage (JT). Bioactivity assays revealed that GE extracts exhibited significant antioxidant and hypoglycemic (α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory) effects, which followed an initial decrease followed by a subsequent recovery during development. Correlation analysis further established a strong relationship between phenolic-associated metabolites (particularly Parishin E/G/H) and the observed bioactivities. Conclusions: In summary, these findings elucidate the metabolic dynamics of GE across developmental stages and provide a scientific basis for optimizing harvest timing and raw-material grading to enhance the functional properties of GE-derived products.