Analysis of the volatile constituents of Schisandra chinesis (Turz.) bail by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, using headspace solid-phase microextraction

Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was developed for the analysis of the volatile constituents of a traditional Chinese medicine, the fruits of Schisandra chinensis (Turz.) Bail. Two different fibers of polydimethylsiloxane and carbowax-divinylbenzene were used for the absorption of the volatile constituents of the fruits. Thirty-three volatile compounds were separated and identified. The optimum absorption and desorption conditions were also studied. Relative standard deviation values less than 6.5% showed that the method has a good reproducibility. The volatile constituents were also analyzed by steam distillation and thirty-five compounds were identified. The similar results obtained by the two methods showed that SPME is a simple, rapid and solvent-free method for the analysis of volatile constituents of plant materials.