Characterization and analysis of Semen Cuscutae by capillary gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Chloroform extracts of the Chinese herbal medicine Semen Cuscutae were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and the pharmaceutically active component (+)‐Sesamin was identified and determined in this plant for the first time. Several n‐alkanes, (+)‐sesamin, and some compounds, identified by GC–MS and GC retention index, were chosen to characterize different samples of Semen Cuscutae. Fingerprints were obtained of the extracts of Semen Cuscutae from six sources. In addition, it was shown that some fatty acids are present in the seed oils (petroleum ether extracts) of Semen Cuscutae.