Geoherbalism evaluation of Radix Angelica sinensis based on electronic nose

• Electronic nose was used to detect odors of Angelicae sinensis from different origins.
• Angelicae sinensis from different origins could be identified by odors.
• The odor response value was consistent with the content of phthalides.
• Electronic nose can be applied for quality control of Angelicae sinensis.

Radix Angelica sinensis (Danggui, DG), derived from the dry root of Angelicae sinensis, is popularly used for its antioxidant, hematinic and immuno-enhancement. However, DG from different origins possess different quality, and difficult to identity. In this study, we used electronic nose technique to investigate DG from different producing areas for monitoring the correlation of origin and quality. The electronic nose was employed to establish classification model of DG originated from four main producing areas of Gansu, Yunnan, Sichuan and Hubei in China. Principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant function analysis (DFA) were performed to differentiate DG samples from four main producing areas. The content of phthalides of DG were determined to confirm the quality changes and investigate its correlation with the odor response values by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). The results of PCA and DFA analysis showed that the electronic nose could accurately distinguish DG from four main producing areas. The method of electronic nose for identification could be verified by GC-MS technology, and the main ingredient content was consistent with its odor of DG. In conclusion, electronic nose could effectively identify different origins of DG, and could be applied for rapid identification and quality control of genuine Angelica herbs.

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