Aroma-active compounds of Korean mugwort (Artemisia princeps orientalis)

Abstract

This study revealed that monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and their oxygenated derivatives were the major volatile compounds in Korean mugwort extracted by both simultaneous steam distillation and solvent extraction and headspace solid-phase microextraction. In particular, β-caryophyllene was the most predominant compound. Furthermore, 1,8-cineol, described as camphoraceous and minty notes, was found to be the most potent aroma-active compound of Korean mugwort, followed by (Z)-3-hexenal (described as green and apple-like notes), γ-terpinene (described as grassy note), and (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal (described as cucumber-like and green notes). Moreover, ethyl 2-methylpropanoate, methyl 3-methylbutanoate, and ethyl 2-methylbutanoate could contribute to sweet and fruity notes of Korean mugwort with their characteristic odor properties.