Qualitative Investigation on Changes of Chemical Constituents from Volatile Oils Between Crude and Vinegar-processed Cyperi Rhizoma-Artemisiae Argyi Folium Herb-pair Based on AMDIS and Retention Index Coupled with GC-MS Analysis

OBJECTIVE The effects of vinegar-processing on overall compatibility of Cyperi Rhizoma-Artemisiae Argyi Folium herb-pair were investigated based on assessment model of regulation on painful menstruation as efficacy from overall angle of the herb-pair. METHODS The experimental strategy to look for common regularity of GC-MS technology combined with principal component analysis and identification methods based on AMDIS and retention index was used to analyze the changes of chemical constituents from volatile oils between crude and vinegar-processed Cyperi Rhizoma-Artemisiae Argyi Folium herb-pair comprehensively and systematically. RESULTS Fifty-four chemical components had been identified in volatile oils of crude Cyperi Rhizoma-Artemisiae Argyi Folium herb-pair while fifty-two chemical components had been identified in volatile oils of vinegar-processed Cyperi Rhizoma-Artemisiae Argyi Folium herb-pair. In addition， The changes of chemical constituents from volatile oils in crude and vinegar-processed Cyperi Rhizoma-Artemisiae Argyi Folium herb-pair were inconsistent with those in crude and vinegar-processed Cyperi Rhizoma (Artemisiae Argyi Folium). On the whole， in volatile oils of vinegar-processed Cyperi Rhizoma-Artemisiae Argyi Folium herb-pair， the content of most low boiling point compounds belonging to Artemisiae Argyi Folium was decreased while the content of most high boiling point compounds belonging to Cyperi Rhizoma had no obvious change， and the relative content of α-cyperone was increased to some extent. The compounds with significantly increasing contents in volatile oils of vinegar-processed Cyperi Rhizoma-Artemisiae Argyi Folium herb-pair were deoxy-sesquiterpenoids， long chain fatty alcohols， and long chain aliphatic ketones. Nevertheless the content of terpenoid oxide derivatives was decreased. CONCLUSION By employing the strategy to look for common regularity of GC-MS technology combined with principal component analysis and identification methods based on AMDIS and retention index， we could identify the differences of chemical constituents from volatile oils between crude and vinegar-processed Cyperi Rhizoma-Artemisiae Argyi Folium herb-pair comprehensively， scientifically， and rapidly. Overall， the toxicity of volatile oils in Cyperi Rhizoma-Artemisiae Argyi Folium herb-pair was decreased， the safety was increased， and the efficacy of regulation on painful menstruation was strengthened after vinegar-processing. The strategy used in this paper would be a certain reference significance for analyzing other complex systems on Chinese herbal medicines.