Shandong Science

   

Comparative study of the structural characteristics and volatile components of Terra Flava Usta, raw loess, and calcined loess

WANG Zhenwu1, LIU Shuang1, DONG Hongjing1, MI Yuzhang1, GU Wenchao2, ZHANG Liangkun2, WANG Xiao1, CHEN Jian2,3*   

  1. 1. Shandong Engineering Research Center for Innovation and Application of General Technology for Separation of Natural Products, Shandong Analysis and Test Center, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, China; 2. Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University,Jinan, 250013, China; 3. State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
  • Received:2025-12-08 Accepted:2026-05-25 Online:2026-10-21
  • Contact: CHEN Jian

Abstract: In this study, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry were employed to analyze the structural characteristics of Terra flava usta, raw loess, and calcined loess. Gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC–IMS) was employed to compare differences in their volatile components. The results showed that wood-fired smoking induced fine-pore formation in Terra flava usta, increased the proportion of beneficial elements (Al, Fe, and Ca), and decreased the proportion of the harmful element Pt, shaping its specific structure and active component–loading capacity. A total of 45 volatile components were identified by GC–IMS. Wood-fired smoking caused degradation, volatilization, and re-adsorption of volatile components, altering the volatile-component profile of Terra flava usta. Partial least squares discriminant analysis identified 25 key differential components (VIP > 1.0), including sesamol, phellandrene, and limonene. Thus, wood-fired smoking is a key process that governs the fine-pore structure, active component–loading capacity, and volatile-component profile of Terra flava usta. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the pharmacodynamic basis underlying the traditional effects of Terra flava usta: “warming the middle energizer, drying dampness, and stopping and relieving bleeding.”

Key words: Terra Flava Usta, raw loess, calcined loess, structural characteristics, volatile constituent

CLC Number: 

  • R283

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