Unveiling bioactive components in Sargassum fusiforme via phytochemical and biological evaluation: A heterogeneous information ensemble approach

Objective Sargassum fusiforme (SF), a brown algae, is a marine traditional Chinese medicine with nutritional value. However, studies on the bioactive components in SF are limited. The aim of this study is to investigate phytochemical and biological properties of SF from different geographical origins and botanical parts, as well as to explore bioactive components within SF. Methods SF from different origins and botanical parts were collected for integrated phytochemical analyses using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF MS), mass spectral molecular networking and liquid chromatography-single quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MSD), etc., followed by the systematic chemical profile evaluation. Subsequently, the glycolipid metabolism regulation and anticoagulation of SF were examined. Furthermore, the overall information acquired was assembled using multivariate analysis and machine learning to discover bioactive components. Results A total of 123 compounds in SF were identified with the assistance of mass spectral molecular networking. The variations in the content of amino acids, fucoidan, alginate, phlorotannin, alkaloids, terpenoids, etc. were observed in SF from different origins and botanical parts. SF possessed the hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic and anticoagulant effects, and SF from Dongtou, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, was outstanding among origins in both phytochemical and biological evaluations. A heterogeneous information ensemble approach was adopted to discover the bioactive components in SF, namely 3-indoleacrylic acid, phlorotannin and fucoidan. Conclusion This study evaluated the phytochemical and biological properties of SF, revealed the bioactive components using heterogeneous information and provided a reference for the rational consumption and further development of SF.