Metabolite profiling of tissues of Acorus calamus and Acorus tatarinowii rhizomes by using LMD, UHPLC-QTOF MS, and GC-MS

Acorus calamus and its related species are of significant importance to the food and fragrance industries due to their varied applications. They are also a cause of critical concern due to their toxic β-asarone content. Several toxicity cases have occurred due to high β-asarone compositions in food products. Hence, limits for their use are strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, the European Union, and legislations of different countries. The identification of species with a lower β-asarone content is of great significance. In this report, the metabolite profiles and essential oil content of A. calamus and Acorus tatarinowii rhizomes were analysed and compared using UHPLC-QTOF-MS and GC-MS techniques. The metabolite profiles were similar; however, β-asarone content was higher in A. calamus rhizomes. The developed methods can be applied for microscopic and macroscopic identification, and quality control of food products containing β-asarone.