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 , , and . 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 , 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 , , and , 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 ( < 0.05). The top 19 metabolites with the most significant VIP values were chosen. Interestingly, ( )-2-decenal was only found in , while nitroethane and nonanal were only present in cultivated . Additionally, linalool, cineole, and ( )-limonene were the main components affecting the aroma of three species of the genus . The volatile components identified in this study provide a theoretical basis for analyzing the unique flavor of , and .