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 chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC/TOFMS). A total of 67 compounds were identified by GC/MS and a total of 1956 compounds were identified by GC × GC/TOFMS from five Mentha haplocalyx samples in different origins. In the GC × GC/TOFMS chromatogram, the classification of group type could be clearly observed. The results of GC × 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 × GC/TOFMS data was performed. The results showed that the PCA model constructed with the data of GC × 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 compounds were enriched from Mentha haplocalyx samples, which could be further used for food additive or pharmacological activity research.