Objective: To analysis the volatile components in Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen.
Methods: The volatile components were extracted from Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen by steam distillation, head space injection and supercritical fluid extraction respectively, and then analyzed by GC-MS combined with Kovat's retention index.
Results: The volatile components extracted by steam distillation or head space extraction were found more likely to be terpenoids, whereas components extracted by supercritical fluid extraction were more likely to be alkenes, alcohols and aromatic compounds.
Conclusion: Different sample pre-treatment methods are focused on different types of volatile components; Identification of the volatile components by GC-MS combined with Kovat's retention index is more accurate and rapid.