A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF THE CHEMICAL PROFILE OF VOLATILE COMPOUNDS IN NARCISSUS TAZETTA L. SUBSP. TAZETTA THROUGH HIERARCHICAL CLUSTERING METHODS

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the chemical profile of volatile and non-volatile components of Narcissus tazetta subsp. tazetta (daffodil) is grown in Türkiye. The chemical profiles of fresh and dried flowers were analyzed using Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) methods. The study also aimed to investigate the effects of the drying process on the chemical profile and contribute to the plant's pharmacological, commercial, and ecological potential. Material and Method: Fresh and dried flower samples collected from the Muğla region were analyzed using the HS-SPME method. Fresh samples were immediately analyzed to prevent the loss of volatile compounds, while dried samples were air-dried at room temperature until they reached a constant weight and stored at 4°C. The mass spectra of volatile compounds were evaluated using GC/MS in conjunction with the Başer Library and other reference databases. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) was applied for statistical analysis and clustering. Result and Discussion: The main volatile compounds identified in fresh flowers were (E)-β-ocimene (62.8%), 1,8-cineole (12.9%), and linalool (7.6%). In dried flowers, (E)-β-ocimene (43.1%), (Z)-3-hexenal (18.7%), and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate (9.8%) were prominent. Significant changes were observed in volatile compounds after drying, with monoterpene hydrocarbons decreasing and new aldehyde and ester compounds emerging. The influence of regional and environmental factors on the chemical profile was emphasized. The Muğla samples showed differences compared to samples from İzmir, Siirt, and Şırnak. HCA successfully grouped the compounds based on structural and functional similarities, statistically highlighting the chemical differences between fresh and dried flowers.