Chu, Jung Woong Kim, Kyungmin KIM, MI SUN Ha, Taewoong Kang, Bokeum Lu, Huan Jun Kim, Min Soo Joo Young Cha Oh, Uh taek Chun Hwan Choi Hong, Gyu-Sang 2026-02-05T08:00:31Z 2026-02-05T08:00:31Z 2026-01-13 2026-03 0308-8146 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/154228 Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) and lotus seed embryos (Plumula Nelumbinis, PN) are widely consumed functional foods, yet efficacy-relevant quality control markers for gastroprotection remain unclear. We integrated HPLC–UV/LC–MS profiling with a function-guided cellular screen to identify marker candidates from PN and wheatgrass. In AGS cells, the C-glycosyl flavonoid schaftoside evoked Ca²⁺ signaling coupled to mucin-related responses, which were selectively attenuated by inhibition of the TRPM5/Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger–linked pathway. In mice, PN extract (300 mg/kg), wheatgrass extract (300 mg/kg), the wheatgrass butanol fraction (40 mg/kg), and isolated schaftoside (60 mg/kg) reduced HCl/EtOH-induced gastritis and increased gastric mucus thickness. Collectively, these data link schaftoside in PN and wheatgrass to a TRPM5/NCX-associated mucin-protective pathway, establishing it as a mechanism-linked functional QC marker; given its scalability and schaftoside-rich profile, wheatgrass appears more suitable for future product development, with isoorientin as a supplementary analytical marker. English Elsevier BV Schaftoside as a functional marker for gastroprotection in wheatgrass and lotus seed embryos Article 10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.147993 1 Food Chemistry, v.504 Food Chemistry 504 N scie 001674271000001 Chemistry, Applied Food Science & Technology Nutrition & Dietetics Chemistry Food Science & Technology Nutrition & Dietetics Article RADICAL-SCAVENGING ACTIVITIES CHEMICAL-COMPOSITION BIOSYNTHESIS EUPATILIN Schaftoside Isoorientin Lotus seed embryos Wheatgrass Gastritis Mucin secretion TRPM5 NCX