Comparison of headspace solid-phase microextraction with conventional extraction for the analysis of the volatile components in Melia azedarach

► HS-SPME, SE and UAE methods are used to study the volatile compositions of Melia azedarach. ► The HS-SPME method is first used with simple, fast and solvent-free merits. ► 79 compounds are identified, among which 64 compounds are first reported. ► 37 compounds are identified by the HS-SPME alone. The volatile compositions of Melia azedarach were studied by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME). The result was compared with that obtained by soxhlet extraction (SE) and ultrasonic extraction (UAE). 79 compounds were identified in this study, among which 64 compounds were first reported. The experimental parameters including fiber type (PDMS, PDMS-DVB and CAR-PDMS), desorption time, extraction temperature and time were investigated. 37 compounds were obtained by HS-SPME, including curcumene (33.25%), α-cadinol (11.16%), α-muurolene (8.72%), copaene (5.04%), β-bisabolene (3.41%), and α-selinene (2.97%). The result suggested that the HS-SPME method is a powerful analytic tool and complementary to traditional methods for the determination of the volatile compounds in Chinese herbs.