Elevated ozone reprograms secondary metabolism in Abelmoschus moschatus pods, enhancing antidiabetic and antiobesity bioactivities.

Critical insight: Elevated ozone (EO3) induced selective upregulation of TCA cycle, phenylpropanoid?flavonoid pathways and downregulation of lignans and specific lipids. This coordinated carbon?nitrogen reallocation enhances quercetin-based ROS scavenging and respiratory energy supply, strengthening ozone stress tolerance. This study examines metabolic changes in A. moschatus pods under elevated ozone (EO3) stress by using open-top chambers (OTC). The metabolomic analysis revealed the carbon and nitrogen distribution, with reduced glycolysis and TCA cycle activity, while the pentose phosphate pathway, amino acid synthesis, and lipid modification increased. These shifts redirected resources into secondary metabolism, particularly phenylpropanoid, flavonoid, terpenoid, and saponin pathways, leading to enhanced accumulation of phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, and saponins. Functionally, these metabolic changes translated into stronger bioactivities, as pod extracts under EO3showed increased inhibition of α-amylase,α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase. Such effects highlight their potential to reduce postprandial hyperglycemia and lipid absorption, linking O3-driven metabolite enrichment with anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic related benefits. Overall, EO3stress acted as a metabolic trigger, enhancing both oxidative defense and nutraceutical potential.