Bioscience Evidence 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 184-194 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/be 185 Kaech et al., 1999). Cypress (Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco), also known as the incense cedar, is a fragrant woody plant native to China. In traditional Chinese medicine, the aromatic emissions from Cypress cone shells are believed to have detoxifying, dampness-drying, insecticidal, wind-dispelling, and calming properties. Modern medical research has shown that inhaling the aroma of Cypress can alleviate anxiety (Editorial Committee of “Chinese Materia Medica” by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1999; Wu et al., 2010). For example, terpenoids released by Japanese cedar have been found to reduce tension in humans (Matsubara and Kawai, 2014). Additionally, pillows filled with dried Cypress shells are known to improve sleep quality (Liu et al., 2018). The biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) in Cypress cone shells are the source of their aroma. These compounds are typically gaseous and are easily released into the environment, where they may alter the surrounding microenvironment (Ho et al., 2011). It is hypothesized that the BVOCs from the Cypress shells in the pillow cores disperse into the environment and, being small molecules, are easily absorbed through nasal inhalation, alveolar respiration, and skin penetration, subsequently binding to target molecules within the body and affecting physiological functions. However, the specific aroma molecules in Cypress shells and their potential targets remain unknown. Therefore, this study employs headspace extraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to extract BVOCs from Cypress shells, identifying compounds such as β-caryophyllene, D-limonene, α-pinene, and bornyl acetate. Target prediction suggests that these compounds may interact with key proteins such as CNR2 (Cannabinoid receptor 2), PPARα (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha), VDR (Vitamin D receptor), and AChE (Acetylcholinesterase), which are closely associated with anxiety and sleep regulation. This research aims to provide a scientific basis for the application of Cypress cone shells in alleviating anxiety and insomnia and to promote the use of natural plant medicines in modern medicine. The findings are expected to lay the foundation for further exploration of the bioactivity of plant-derived volatile organic compounds and their potential applications in neurological disorders, revealing the mechanisms of key compounds in Cypress cone shells and offering new directions for developing natural therapies for anxiety and insomnia. 2 Results and Analysis 2.1 Analysis of BVOCs components in Cypress shells The total ion flow diagram of BVOCs from Cypress branches and leaves is shown in Figure 1. The results indicate that 28 BVOCs were extracted and identified from the Cypress cone shells, including 22 terpenoids, 2 hydrocarbons, and one each of benzene, alcohol, aldehyde, and ester. Among these, terpenoids were the most abundant, accounting for 99.7% of the total volatile components, with other components making up only 0.3%. The major terpenoids identified include α-Pinene, 3-Carene, and Camphene. Among these, α-Pinene had the highest relative content, accounting for over 67.313%, with a concentration of 176.328 μg/g, making it the predominant component in the BVOCs of Cypress cone shells. Figure 1 Total ion flow of BVOCs components in Cypress cones
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==