Abstract: A novel solid-phase extraction element i.e. magic-chemisorber(MC)combined with thermal desorption (TD)-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry(GC/MS)was applied for the analysis of volatile component in Cyperus rotundus tubers from different growing areas. Conditions of the MC extraction and TD etc. were optimized. The obtained fingerprints of 12 samples were based on the relative peak areas of 44 peaks in each GC profiles, and RSDs of the relative peak areas were less than 8.6 %. The results showed that it was a simple, rapid, and effective method for the quality control of Cyperus rotundus tubers.

Key words: Cyperus rotundus tubers, volatile components, magic-chemisorber, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, fingerprints