Quantification and characterization of volatile constituents in Myristica fragrans Houtt. by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Myristica fragrans is an evergreen tree and its seeds are world-widely used in food and traditional medicine due to its high content of volatile components. Besides, other parts (mace, leaf and pericarp) of the species are also aromatic and edible and have medicinal application. To determine and identify volatile compounds in different parts of M. fragrans, both gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-Q/TOF-MS) were used. Analytes were extracted from M. fragrans by ultrasonic method. Nine main or bioactive compounds were determined in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode by GC-MS. Unknown compounds in different parts (nutmeg, mace, leaf, and pericarp) were identified using GCQ/TOF-MS by comparison of their retention time, mass spectra and retention index (RI) with those of standard, National Institute of Standards Technology (NIST 14) and literature data. The established method, with excellent precision, repeatability and recovery, was successfully applied to quantitative analysis of the nine constituents selected in 15 nutmeg samples from different origins. Quantitative analysis shows significant variation in the contents of analytes in different origins and parts. The volatile compounds profile was similarity among the different parts of M. fragrans. Totally, 59 compounds were identified, the great majority compounds were alpha-pinene, sabinene, beta-pinene, (S)-limonene, gamma-terpinene, terpinen-4-ol, methyl eugenol, myristicin, and elemicin. The established method is helpful for the quality control of M. fragrans and the usage of pericarp and leaf in spice ingredients.