Variations in active ingredients and odor characteristics for geographical origin discrimination of Linderae Radix

Linderae Radix (LR), a highly demanded traditional Chinese medicine, is produced in various regions. However, the relationship between its quality and geographical origin remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed fourteen batches of LR samples from eight distinct origins across four major producing provinces, using both ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for active compound quantification and electronic nose for odor profiling. Results revealed distinct inter-provincial variations in active compound levels except isolinderalactone, and overall similar intra-provincial profiles except boldine. Odor profiling demonstrated sensitivity to five sensors, with the three most sensitive W5S, W1W, W2W showing clear inter-provincial differentiation alongside intra-provincial similarity. Overall, samples from Zhejiang and Jiangxi exhibited higher average levels of active compounds and five sensitive sensor responses than those from Hunan and Anhui, with the highest values for most parameters observed in samples from Tiantai, Zhejiang. Using either individual or combined data from all active compounds and odor variables, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) achieved complete separation of the four provincial groups with consistent intra-provincial clustering. It identified norisoboldine, linderalactone, lindenenol, and the five sensitive sensors as the most discriminative parameters for classification. These key markers were further verified by unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis. Subsequently, based on these eight key markers, the origin identification model was developed through ridge regression and discriminant analysis, which achieved high accuracy. These findings highlight the potential of active compounds and odor as a useful tool for authenticating the mainstream geographical origin of LR, thus providing a scientific basis for its quality evaluation and market regulation.