Analysis of the Volatile Components in Different Parts of Three Species of the Genus Amomum via Combined HS-SPME-GC-TOF-MS and Multivariate Statistical Analysis.

The study used headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-TOF-MS) to analyze volatile compounds in leaves and fruits of Amomum tsaoko , Amomum paratsaoko , and Amomum koenigii . The composition and aroma of distinct metabolites were analyzed using multivariate statistical methods. A total of 564 volatile compounds were identified from three species of the genus Amomum , which were further divided into nine categories: terpenoids, carboxylic acids, alcohols, hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, phenols, ethers, and other compounds. Terpenoids and alcohols were the most abundant. The content and types of compounds vary in A. tsaoko , A. paratsaoko , and A. koenigii , so mixing or substituting them is not advisable. We selected 45 metabolites based on the criteria of the variable importance in projection values (VIP > 1.5) and one-way ANOVA ( p < 0.05). The top 19 metabolites with the most significant VIP values were chosen. Interestingly, ( Z )-2-decenal was only found in Amomum koenigii , while nitroethane and nonanal were only present in cultivated A. tsaoko . Additionally, linalool, cineole, and ( D )-limonene were the main components affecting the aroma of three species of the genus Amomum . The volatile components identified in this study provide a theoretical basis for analyzing the unique flavor of A. tsaoko , A. paratsaoko, and A. koenigii .