Research articles
ScienceAsia 52 (2026):ID 2026074 1-9 |doi:
10.2306/scienceasia1513-1874..074
Investigation of the influence of different origins on the
volatile components of chicory roots based on cluster analysis
and OPLS-DA
Ruili Lia, Tong Zhanga, Yihan Zhangb, Wenliang Panb,*, Feng Heb, Hanshu Wangb, Rui Wangb,
Weifeng Baob
ABSTRACT: To investigate the influence of different origins on the volatile components of chicory roots, headspace
solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was employed to extract and
analyze volatile constituents. The content of each component was determined and compared using an internal standard
semi-quantitative method, and cluster analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA)
were then applied to examine the differences in volatile components among chicory root samples from different
origins. Results indicated that 95 volatile compounds were identified across chicory root samples from different
origins, primarily comprising 20 aldehydes, 1 alcohol, 2 acids, 9 esters, 9 ketones, 30 hydrocarbons, 7 phenols, and
17 heterocyclic compounds, with aldehydes and hydrocarbons being the predominant classes. Significant differences
were observed in the volatile compounds among chicory root samples from different origins. Among them, the volatile
component content was highest in Xinjiang chicory root samples at 3120.98 g/kg, while the lowest was found in
Zhejiang chicory root samples at 1228.50 g/kg. Based on OPLS-DA and cluster analysis, chicory roots from different
origins could be effectively distinguished. Furthermore, according to the variable importance in projection (VIP values),
39 compounds, including 9-methylicosane, furfural, methyl palmitate, and 5-methylfurfural, were identified as key
substances for distinguishing the geographical origins of chicory roots. This study reveals the differences in the
composition and content distribution of volatile components in chicory roots from differentorigins, providing a scientific
basis for further development of chicory root resources and origin tracing.
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| a |
Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, ZhengZhou, Henan 450002 China |
| b |
Technology Center of Hebei China Tobacco Industrial Co., Ltd., ShiJiazhuang, Hebei 050051 China |
* Corresponding author, E-mail: 18638932481@163.com
Received 14 Jan 2026, Accepted 14 Jul 2026
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