Abstract:

The smog from the flaming leaves of Artemisia argyi has the effects of moxibustion,isinfection and desinsectization. In order to find out the active substances of Artemisia argyi,methanol was used to absorb the smog,and the chemical constitutes in both the absorption liquid and the effective essential oil from Artemisia argyi were analyzed and compared by means of GC-MS. The results indicate that both the smog and the essential oil are of the same chemical constituents such as 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone,eucalyptol,borneol,thujone,β-caryophyllene, 2,2'-bithiophene, 3,3,6,8-tetramethyl-1-tetralone and selina-6-en-4-ol,that eucalyptol and β-caryophyllene are two active substances for moxibustion,disinfection and desinsectization,and that eucalyptol,borneol,thujone and β-caryophyllene in the smog may enter human body and play various bioactive role through moxibustion.

Key words: Artemisia argyi, essential oil, smog, chemical constituent, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry