Discrimination of pharmacodynamic components and volatile compounds of Poria cocos cultivated with five different materials based on GC-IMS analysis

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The chemical constituents of Poria cocos grown with different substrates vary significantly; thus, identifying and comparing their biomarkers are important. Materials and Methods Herein, the chemical constituents of Poria cocos obtained with five different substrates were assessed using gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS), high-performance liquid chromatography and multivariate statistical analysis. Results The content of moisture, ash, alcohol-soluble matter, and heavy metals, except for those of the miscellaneous wood Poria cocos, conform to the specifications defined in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (Edition 2020), and the polysaccharide contents are all greater than 57%. Conclusions Based on GC-IMS and the established fingerprints, 87 compounds were detected, 70 of which were identified in each group. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed seven compounds (two esters, three alcohols, and two aldehydes), which could be considered as potential marker compounds for discrimination.