# Differential Analysis of Non-Volatile and Volatile Organic Compounds in Lonicerae japonicae Flos Across Four Geographical Origins of China Using HS-GC-IMS, HS-SPME-GC-MS, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, and Multivariate Statistical Methods

## TL;DR

This study compares the chemical composition of Lonicerae japonicae flos from four Chinese regions using advanced analytical techniques.

## Contribution

The study introduces a combined approach using multiple analytical methods to identify geographical differences in both volatile and non-volatile compounds in LJF.

## Key findings

- 34 key differential volatile organic compounds (VOCs) showed significant variations among geographical origins.
- 19 key differential non-VOCs were identified, highlighting geographical differences in chemical composition.
- HS-SPME-GC-MS and HS-GC-IMS detected 80 and 57 VOCs, respectively, from LJF samples.

## Abstract

Geographical origin constitutes one of the key factors that exert an influence on chemical compounds of Lonicerae japonicae flos (LJF). The present research was designed to explore differences among volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and non-VOCs among LJF samples from four geographical origins. Selection of 32 LJF samples with similar genetic backgrounds was performed using simple sequence repeat markers. Headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) and headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) were utilized to analyze VOCs, while non-VOCs were detected via ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Multivariate statistical analyses were applied to screen differential compounds. The results indicated that HS-SPME-GC-MS and HS-GC-IMS identified 80 and 57 VOCs, respectively, with 34 key differential VOCs screened out, exhibiting significant variations among origins. For non-VOCs, 130 compounds were identified, with 19 key differential compounds showing geographical differences. This study further facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the chemical composition of LJF from different origins.