Abstract: Headspace solid phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was applied for the qualification and quantification of terpenoids in 13 base Baijius and 3 commercial Baijius of Niulanshan “Erguotou”. Totally 5 terpenoids were identified by the external standard method, including β-caryophllene (BCP) and geranylacetone (GAT), which was first discovered in Erguotou Baijiu. The protective effects of GAT and BCP on oxidative damage induced by 2,2’-azobis(2-methylpropanimidamidine)dihydrochloride (AAPH) in HepG2 cells were investigated. The results showed that at the same concentration as in Erguotou, both GAT and BCP had a potent scavenging effect against intracellular reactive oxygen species by increasing the activity of intracellular antioxidant enzymes including catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and the level of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione (GSH). In addition, they could decrease the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), thereby enhancing cellular antioxidant defense capacity in a dose-dependent manner. This study provides fundamental data supporting the health benefits of Baijiu and the healthy development of the Baijiu industry.

Key words: Niulanshan Erguotou Baijiu, geranylacetone, β-caryophllene, headspace-solid phase microextraction, antioxidant activity