Comparative Study on the Essential Oil Components of Japanese and Chinese Bupleurum Root (“Saiko”)

Abstract

In order to advance the production of Japanese Bupleurum Root (“Saiko”), it is important to identify unique differences in components between Japanese “Saiko” and the Chinese one. In this study, we analyzed the components of the essential oil prepared from the Japanese “Saiko” and the Chinese one according to the Japanese Pharmacopoeia Essential Oil Quantitative Method. By GC/MS, liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF/MS) and NMR, we identified a characteristic component, (2Z,9Z)-pentadecadiene-4,6-diyn-1-ol (PDD), preferentially in the Japanese “Saiko” with approximately 14 times higher presence than that in the Chinese one. The preparation and processing conditions of the roots of Bupleurum falcatum L. showed limited effect on the content of PDD. Further clarification of the pharmacological effects of PDD may add value to Japanese “Saiko”.