Characterization of Key Odorants in Meehan’s Mint, Meehania cordata

Thirty-five odorants from Meehan's mint, Meehania cordata, were identified using solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). Twelve compounds with flavor dilution factors ≥16 were quantitated using stable isotope dilution assays (SIDA). Odor activity values (OAVs) and sensory experiments revealed (-)-(E)-pinocarvyl acetate as a key impact odorant contributing to the plant's unique woody and minty odor. Odor simulation experiments revealed a mixture of 10 compounds, including (2E,6Z)-nona-2,6-dienal (OAV 48000), β-ionone (OAV 33000), (E)-pinocarvyl acetate (OAV 8600), 1-octen-3-one (OAV 2800), and linalool (OAV 990), successfully mimicked the plant odor when combined in their natural concentrations. Three stereoisomers of pinocarvyl acetate were identified including (-)-(E)-, (+)-(E)-, and (-)-(Z)-isomers. The (E) to (Z)-ratio was determined as 95.5% (E) and 0.5% (Z). The enantiomeric ratio of (-)-(E)- to (+)-(E)- was determined as 96% (-)-(E)- and 4% (+)-(E)-pinocarvyl acetate. This study established the basis for future investigations aimed at determining the odorant variability of individual genotypes from natural populations of M. cordata and other members of the Meehenia genus.