Analysis on sublimation and volatile components of Cibotium barometz using UPLC/Q-TOF-MS

Objective: To research on the sublimation and volatile components of Cibotium barometz and to explore its irritant ingredient sources during the processing. Methods: Using the simulation of sand iron, sublimation, steam distillation, and volatile oil extractor to collect the sublimation and volatile components from C. barometz, and using UPLC/Q-TOF-MS for qualitative analysis. Results: A total of 34 compounds were checked out by the four methods and 26 out of them were recommended molecular formula and named, mainly including organic acids, organic acid esters, alkaloids, purines, pyrimidines, small molecular aldehyde ketones, polyphenols, steroids, single terpenes, etc. The molecular volume of the compounds is concentrated within 100-400 ranges. Conclusion: Citramalic acid, 6-gingerol, and 5-methylfurfural have the irritation, which should be the produced irritant components during C. barometz processing.