Evaluation of the volatile from Lonicera macranthoides obtained with different processing methods by headspace–solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HS–SPME–GC–MS)

Abstract

Headspace–solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HS–SPME–GC–MS) method was used to determine the composition and content of volatiles in dried flower buds of Lonicera macranthoides obtained by five processing methods (PMs). Sixty-five compounds were identified, which included alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, hydrocarbons, acids, esters, terpenoids, and others. Alcohols were the most abundant compounds in most of the samples while acids were present in negligible amounts. Samples obtained by sun drying (PM4) and by heating in an oven with a programmed temperature cycle (PM2) were characterized by higher amounts of esters and terpenoids. PM4 resulted in larger numbers of compounds albeit in lower amounts. The principal component analysis confirmed that terpenoids and esters were the most prominent volatiles from PM2. The HS–SPME–GC–MS method can be used to rapidly ascertain the volatile content in L. macranthoides samples; the results herein provided provide a valuable source for comparing the effects of applying different processing methods.