Chemotaxonomic variation of volatile components in Zanthoxylum Bungeanum peel and effects of climate on volatile components.

Background: Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. is widely distributed across China, and the aroma of its peel is primarily determined by its volatile components. In this study, we analyzed the characteristics of volatile components in Z. bungeanum peels from different regions and investigated their correlation with climatic factors.

Results: The results identified 126 compounds in Z. bungeanum, with 27 compounds exhibiting distinct odor characteristics. Linalool was the most abundant, with an average relative content of 21.664%. The volatile oil of Z. bungeanum predominantly features spicy, floral, citrus, and mint aromas. The classification results indicated a significant difference in elevation at the ZB10 collection points in Shaanxi Province compared to other groups. Temperature, average annual precipitation, and wind speed were crucial factors influencing the accumulation of volatile components.

Conclusions: This study is beneficial for enhancing the quality of Z. bungeanum, expanding the understanding of how climatic factors influence the accumulation of volatile substances, and promoting agricultural practices in regions with similar climatic conditions.