Analysis of the influence of sulfur-fumigation on the volatile components of Angelicae sinensis Radix by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Gang Cao; Hao Cai; Yajing Lou; Sicong Tu; Xiao Liu; Kunming Qin; Baochang Cai

Articles

Abstract

Pharmacognosy Magazine,2014,10,39,304-313.

DOI:10.4103/0973-1296.137371

Published:July 2014

Type:Original Article

Authors:

Author(s) affiliations:

Gang Cao¹, Hao Cai², Yajing Lou³, Sicong Tu⁴, Xiao Liu², Kunming Qin³, Baochang Cai¹
¹ Department of Chinese Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing; Research Center of TCM Processing Technology, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou; National First-Class Key Discipline for Science of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
² Department of Chinese Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing; National First-Class Key Discipline for Science of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
³ Department of Chinese Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
⁴ Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Abstract:

Background: Sulfur-fumigation of Angelicae sinensis Radix causes changes in the structure and composition of volatile components. These changes alter the curative effect and the quality of A. sinensis Radix. Materials and Methods: In this study, comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOFMS) was employed to investigate the influence of sulfur-fumigation on the volatile components, and to characterize and quantify the chemical composition of the volatile oil of A. sinensis Radix. Results: The present study has shown that sulfur-fumigated A. sinensis Radix samples had significant loss of the main active compounds and a more destructive fingerprint profile compared to non-fumigated samples. Conclusion: From this study, it can be concluded that the combination of GC × GC and TOFMS has potential as a quality monitoring tool in herbal medicine and food processing industries.