Fast analysis of principal volatile compounds in crude and processed Atractylodes macrocephala by an automated static headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Jida Zhang; Gang Cao; Yunhua Xia; Chengping Wen; Yongsheng Fan

Articles

Abstract

Pharmacognosy Magazine,2014,10,39,249-253.

DOI:10.4103/0973-1296.137364

Published:July 2014

Type:Original Article

Authors:

Author(s) affiliations:

Jida Zhang¹, Gang Cao², Yunhua Xia², Chengping Wen¹, Yongsheng Fan¹
¹ Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, P. R. China
² Research Center of TCM Processing Technology, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, P. R. China

Abstract:

Objective: Atractylodes macrocephala, a famous herbal medicine, is used extensively in the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Processing procedure is a common approach that usually occurs before A. macrocephala is prescribed. This paper describes a sensitive and specific assay for the determination of principal volatile compounds in crude and processed A. macrocephala. Materials and Methods: The present study concentrated on the development of a static headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SHS-GC/MS) for separating and identifying of volatile compounds from crude and processed A. macrocephala samples. Results: The results showed that the volatile oil in crude and processed A. macrocephala was markedly quantitatively and qualitatively different. Processing resulted in the reduction of volatile oil contents and variation of chemical compositions in A. macrocephala. Conclusion: The proposed method proved that SHS-GC/MS is rapid and specific, and should also be useful for evaluating the quality of crude and processed medicinal herbs.