Volatile compounds and quality analysis in commercial medicinal plants of Camellia sinensis

Abstract

The interest in the use of green tea (Camellia sinensis) (L.) Kuntze (Theaceae) products have increased in the last few years due to its medicinal properties. In the present study, we proposed that headspace solid phase microextraction, in combination with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometric could be an efficient method to assess the volatile compounds and to ensure the quality control of C. sinensis. We have also compared the anatomical leaf of different commercial green tea samples, analyzed the information in their labels and determined the presence of foreign materials, moisture content, total ashes and microorganisms. Among the 30 analyzed samples, six were identified as C. sinensis according to the anatomical study; 83.4% were not in accordance with the specified limits for foreign matter and 6.6% for moisture content. All samples presented total ashes in accordance with the current legislation. The analysis indicated the presence of several different volatile organic compounds, being terpenes, hydrocarbons and alcohols the major ones. Microbiological analysis showed that 13.3% and 16.6% of the samples exceeded the limits for counts of molds and yeasts, and for mesophilic bacteria, respectively. 73.3% presented E. coli above the established sanitary limits.