Microscopic Observation and Physicochemical Analysis Reveal the Microstructure and Chemical Composition of Abelmoschus manihot Flower and Its Potential Value in Anti-Caries Applications.

Abelmoschus manihot flower (AMF), commonly cultivated in Southern China, is homology of medicine and food. In this study, microscopic observation revealed the microstructure of AMF, including upper epidermal cells and nonglandular hairs that play roles in defense and water management. Physicochemical analyses indicated that AMF powder exhibits weak acidity and low moisture content, suggesting its stability. Further fluorescence and spectroscopic analyses identified a diverse array of chemical constituents in AMF, including various flavonoids. Using ultra high performance liquid chromatography_quadrupole exactive hybrid mass spectrometer (UHPLC-Q Exactive HFX) technology, a total of 407 compounds were identified in AMF, 79 of which were found to have a relative content exceeding 0.1%. A network pharmacological analysis identified 31 potential active components and delineated 10 core targets associated with dental caries. Molecular docking studies demonstrated that the selected active components exhibited strong binding affinities with the aforementioned core targets, particularly flavonoids such as quercetin and morin. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of AMF's microstructure and chemical composition, establishing a scientific foundation for its applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries, as well as in oral health for caries prevention, while also exploring its potential mechanisms of action.