Fig. 3: Multivariate statistical analysis of differential metabolites between ULE and FLE.

A PCA score plot showing overall metabolic variation. B S-plot from OPLS-DA illustrating key differential metabolites contributing to the separation between ULE and FLE. C OPLS-DA score plot demonstrating group discrimination. D Cross-validation plot validating the OPLS-DA model robustness. E Heatmap of hierarchical clustering analysis of differential metabolites in ULE and FLE. Metabolite names are labeled in red to indicate increased levels and in black to indicate decreased levels after fermentation of licorice by L. mesenteroides.