Work

Optimizing Thermal Pretreatment for Volatile Bioactive Profiling in Medicinal Plants Using HS-GC-MS Analysis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) are aromatic medicinal plants rich in bioactive volatile compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study presents a simple, solvent-free, and eco-friendly headspace GC-MS method for VOC profiling. Optimized thermal pretreatment (40–90 °C) enhanced compound detection, particularly at 70–90 °C, without loss of reproducibility. The approach lowers analytical costs and waste generation, supporting green analytical practices and the sustainable valorization of medicinal herbs as natural functional ingredients.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app16021031

Authors: Péter Tamás Nagy, Florence Alexandra Tóth, Levente Czeglédi, Attila Péter Kiss

Institutions: University of Debrecen, Széchenyi István University

Language: English

Topic: Essential Oils and Antimicrobial Activity

Subfield: Food Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896