Volatile sulfur compounds: The possible metabolite pattern to identify the sources and types of asafoetida by headspace GC/MS analysis.

• Asafoetida is an old traditional phytomedicine obtained from various Ferula species sources. • Asafoetida samples and Ferula species assayed by headspace gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy. • Heatmap analysis showed at least two types of asafoetida samples studied in Iran. • Volatile sulfur compounds could be considered to determine asafoetida types and sources. Volatile sulfur compounds of asafoetida, an oleo-gum-resin, obtained from different Ferula species may be considered as possible metabolites to determine the probable source. Asafoetida is widely used in Iranian and Indian traditional medicine and in food industry. Sesquiterpene coumarin, phenolic, and volatile compounds (especially sulfur compounds) can be used as evidence to find out the main asafoetida and their source(s). In this study, the volatile profiles of five Ferula species and six samples of asafoetida from eastern and southern Iran were investigated via the headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method. Heat map analysis was performed for comparing the sulfur pattern in samples. The results showed at least two types of asafoetida in these regions were produced from special Ferula species. Accordingly, Ferula lutensis Rech., was determined as the main source of asafoetida from eastern Iran due to the presence of Z-1-butynyl-1-methyl propyl disulfide and E-1-butynyl-1-methyl propyl disulfide. The results of this research support the idea that types and levels of sulfur compounds could be considered as lead compounds for determination of the main source(s) of asafoetida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]