GC-MS Fingerprinting of Angelica sinensis and A. archangelica Root Components and Mosquito Deterrent Activity

Angelica sinensis and A. archangelica belong to the Umbelliferae and both are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat gynecological and intestinal disorders. Phytochemically these species are very different and are often misidentified in the market and herbal shops and sold interchangeably and incorrectly. The largest part of A. archangelica oil was comprised of monoterpene hydrocarbons such as α-pinene (24.5%), δ-3-carene (13.8%), β-phellandrene (10.1%), p-cymene (8.8%), limonene (8.4%) and sabinene (6.3%). The dominant component of three A. sinensis collections was (Z)-ligustilide (61–69%). Phthalides and monoterpene hydrocarbons were determined to be good systematic markers or chemical fingerprints for A. sinensis and A. archangelica root oils. Bioassay-guided fractionation using the Colletotrichum direct-bioautography assay led to isolate one active compound, (Z)-ligustilide. Since phthalide derivatives have a history of insecticidal activity we also evaluated (Z)-ligustilide for anti-mosquito activity. (Z)-Ligustilide deterred the biting of two mosquito species more effectively than Deet.