Chemical composition and antioxidant potential of ten ornamental Gesneriaceae taxa

Gesneriaceae is an important wildflower resource in China, with many new varieties of high ornamental value becoming increasingly popular in the market. Additionally, Gesneriaceae species have been used extensively in traditional ethnomedicine. Nevertheless, comprehensive studies on the chemical constituents and antioxidant activities of Gesneriaceae leaves remain limited. In this study, metabolomic analysis of leaf chemical components from ten Gesneriaceae taxa tentatively identified 48 metabolites across ten compound classes, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids. To further investigate the biological functions of these metabolites, the total flavonoid and phenolic contents were measured, and their in vitro antioxidant activities were evaluated. The results indicated significant variability in antioxidant activities across Gesneriaceae taxa, with phylloflavanine and isoacteoside as key components influencing this activity. Finally, through comprehensive evaluation, two new ornamental varieties—Primulina 'Purple Sundae' and Primulina 'Spring of Beilin'— were identified for their medicinal and edible development potential, providing a theoretical foundation for exploring multifunctional value in Gesneriaceae ornamental plants.