Objective: To analyze the change of components in volatile oil of Citrus reticulata before and after being processed.
Methods: The volatile oil of Citrus reticulata was extracted by steam distillation and comparatively studied by GC-MS.
Results: The content of volatile of Citrus reticulata after being steamed decreased from 1.13% to 1.06%. 34 components was detected in Citrus reticulata, 30 components was detected in the processed Citrus reticulata, 24 components in volatile oil of Citrus reticulata were identified. 15 components in volatile oil of Citrus reticulata before and after being processed were the same, 9 components were not detected after steamed, but there were 9 new kinds being detected. The relative contents of 4 components increased, 10 components decreased.
Conclusion: There are many differences between the components in the volatile oil of Citrus reticulata before and after being processed and also the content of the components may offer some theoretical evidence for drug property transform and different clinical application.