Understanding the chemical basis for the quality differentiation of wines is essential for breeding and quality control. This study performed a comparative analysis of volatile aroma compounds (VACs), organic acids, and color characteristics in berries and wines from Vitis amurensis (V. amurensis), its interspecific hybrids, and Vitis labrusca (V. labrusca). Hexanal was identified as the primary contributor to grape aroma in V. amurensis berries. 1-Hexanol and isoamyl acetate were the key aroma marker distinguishing wines produced from V. amurensis from its interspecific hybrids. V. amurensis exhibited enhanced metabolism of C6 alcohols, aldehydes, and esters during fermentation. Its wines showed the highest pigment retention and significantly greater anthocyanin content, resulting in the most intense and stable red-purple color compared to other genotypes. Correlation analyses indicate high anthocyanin retention and high color intensity in wines produced from V. amurensis were associated with its high organic acid levels, particularly influenced by tartaric acid, lactic acid, and citric acid. This work clarifies the chemical evolution underlying V. amurensis wine’s sensory superiority and supports breeding, quality control, and product development.

Pinus koraiensis needles (PKNs) are a valuable natural source of high-quality antioxidants, and their health benefits are strongly linked to secondary metabolites. This study thoroughly evaluated the antioxidant activity and metabolite profile of PKNs from three provenances—Lushuihe (LSH), Dongfanghong (DFH), and Dailing (DL)—through chemical antioxidant assays and widely targeted metabolomics. A total of 2948 secondary metabolites were obtained, predominantly flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids. In vitro antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and hydroxyl radical scavenging) showed that PKNs from LSH exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, with an overall trend of LSH > DL > DFH. Correlation analysis further indicated that polyphenols play a significant role in the antioxidant properties of PKNs. Network pharmacology analysis suggested that the antioxidant effects of PKNs may involve 207 components, 191 signaling pathways, and 183 related targets. The potential active ingredients could participate in a variety of metabolic pathways in vivo, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and cancer pathways. Additionally, molecular docking showed that the key active ingredients bind to the core targets through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. Finally, a network pharmacology approach was used to predict potential active ingredients of PKNs for treating cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and liver disorders. This study enhances the understanding of the bioactive compounds and health benefits of PKNs, providing a theoretical foundation for their further development and application.

Conifer needles are a renewable forestry biomass and a potential source of bioactive phenolic compounds. In this study, ultrasound-assisted extraction of polyphenols from Pinus banksiana needles was optimized, and the validated conditions were subsequently applied to six conifer species for comparative evaluation of phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity, and digestive enzyme inhibitory activity. Under the optimal conditions of 53% (v/v) ethanol, a liquid-to-solid ratio of 29 mL/g, 21 min, and 45 °C, the total phenolic content of P. banksiana reached 36.13 ± 0.89 mg GAE/g DW. Significant interspecific differences were observed in phenolic composition and bioactivity. Nine phenolic compounds were quantified by targeted HPLC-DAD analysis, with (+)-catechin being the most abundant among these analytes in all six extracts (1.523–9.974 mg/g DW). P. banksiana exhibited the strongest ABTS⁺ radical-scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 0.306 ± 0.010 mg/mL) and the strongest inhibition of both α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 5.352 ± 0.113 μg/mL) and α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 0.374 ± 0.003 mg/mL). Kinetic analysis suggested an apparent mixed-type inhibition pattern of α-glucosidase by P. banksiana extract, although a pure noncompetitive inhibition model could not be conclusively excluded. Mantel analysis revealed that (+)-catechin showed the strongest association with α-glucosidase inhibition, while molecular docking predicted favorable interactions of (+)-catechin with both human digestive enzyme models. These findings identify (+)-catechin as a potential contributor to α-glucosidase inhibition and highlight P. banksiana as a promising source of antioxidant phenolics with carbohydrate digestion-modulating potential.