Microwave-Assisted Extraction/Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Coupled with DSI-GC-IT/MS for Analysis of Essential Oil from Three Species of Cardamom

Abstract

A novel method of microwave-assisted extraction coupled with polyethylene Pasteur-pipette-based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction applying low-density organic solvent (MAE-LDS-DLLME) was successfully developed for extraction and preconcentration of essential oil from three species of cardamom (Semen Alpiniae Katsumadai, Fructus Amomi Rotundus, and Semen Myristicae). The essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography-ion trap/mass spectrometry (GC-IT/MS) using a ChromatoProbe direct sample introduction (DSI) device. The effects of various parameters affecting the extraction process, such as the type of extraction solvent and dispersive solvent, ionic strength, microwave power, and irradiation time, were investigated thoroughly and optimized. The optimal conditions were extraction solvent of toluene, dispersive solvent of methanol, microwave power of 80 W, irradiation time of 4.0 min, plant material amount of 0.1 g, and no addition of salt. Compared with hydrodistillation, MAE-DLLME-DSI-GC–MS is a simple, rapid, low-cost, efficient, and environmentally friendly method, and the essential oil contains higher amounts of oxygenated compounds, which play an important and valuable role in terms of their contribution to the fragrance of the essential oil. In this work, we also studied the main components of the three varieties of cardamom. Qualitative and quantitative differences in the components of the three essential oils were found to be present. Based on comparison of the main bioactive compounds of essential oil, a significant difference was found between Semen Alpiniae Katsumadai or Fructus Amomi Rotundus and Semen Myristicae. This study also provides a new approach for quality assessment of traditional Chinese medicines.