Research on the chemical composition of Mentha haplocalyx volatile oils from different geographical origins by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry in combination with principal component analysis and the enrichment of bioactive compounds by particle-assisted solvent sublation

The chemical composition of Mentha haplocalyx volatile oils from different origins was studied by gas chroma-tography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC x GC/TOFMS). A total of 67 compounds were identified by GC/MS and a total of 1956 compounds were identified by GC x GC/TOFMS from five Mentha haplocalyx samples in different origins. In the GC x GC/TOFMS chromatogram, the classification of group type could be clearly observed. The results of GC x GC/TOFMS showed that there were some significant differences in chemical composition of Mentha haplocalyx between Anhui and other geographically areas, especially the biologically active ingredient of Isopiperitone, Levomenthol and Isomenthone. They were more abundant from Anhui than that from other origins. Principal component analysis (PCA) of GC/MS and GC x GC/TOFMS data was performed. The results showed that the PCA model constructed with the data of GC x GC/TOFMS was better than that of GC/MS to identify the authenticity of Mentha haplocalyx medicinal materials. Using the particle-assisted solvent flotation method, the active com-pounds were enriched from Mentha haplocalyx samples, which could be further used for food additive or phar-macological activity research.

Automated summary

The chemical composition of Mentha haplocalyx volatile oils from different origins was studied using GC/MS and GC x GC/TOFMS. A total of 67 compounds were identified by GC/MS and 1956 compounds were identified by GC x GC/TOFMS from five Mentha haplocalyx samples. Significant differences in chemical composition were observed between Anhui and other regions, particularly in the abundance of Isopiperitone, Levomenthol, and Isomenthone. PCA analysis showed that GC x GC/TOFMS was better than GC/MS in identifying the authenticity of Mentha haplocalyx medicinal materials. Active compounds were enriched using the particle-assisted solvent flotation method for further research on food additives or pharmacological activities.