Geographic Authentication of Eucommia ulmoides Leaves Using Multivariate Analysis and Preliminary Study on the Compositional Response to Environment

Researchers developed a highly accurate method to authenticate the geographical origins of Eucommia ulmoides leaves (EUL) using multivariate analysis, achieving over 93% validation accuracy. The study employed random forest models with high-level data fusion, combining Fourier transform near-infrared and mid-infrared spectral data. Notably, samples from Shennongjia Forest District in Hubei Province (>1200 m elevation) formed distinct clusters, differing significantly from those of lower-elevation regions like Xiangyang City (78 m). The Xinjiang Autonomous Region emerged as a unique cluster despite its high-latitude temperate zone location. These findings offer valuable insights into how environmental factors influence EUL composition and provide a robust framework for geographical authentication in future studies.

Wang, C.-Y., Tang, L., Li, L., Zhou, Q., Li, Y.-J., Li, J., & Wang, Y.-Z. (2020). Geographic Authentication of Eucommia ulmoides Leaves Using Multivariate Analysis and Preliminary Study on the Compositional Response to Environment. Frontiers in Plant Science, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.00079