Ophiopogonis Radix, the root of Ophiopogon japonicus, it was rich in steroidal saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides and organic acids, with various pharmacological activities, including cardiovascular protection, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, and anti-diabetes[1]. Drying methods can be a limiting factor of TCM’S development, it is one of the most important factors related to its quality, as it can benefit in preserving bioactive components, decreasing toxic and side effects of Chinese medicine.
Based on our previous research, we found that there were 3 main drying methods in main production area of Ophiopogonis Radix: traditional sun drying (TSD) , sulfur coal drying (SCD) , sulfur -free coal drying (SFCD). So the optimized drying method was studied by evaluate the quality of Ophiopogonis Radix in 7 drying methods: TSD , SCD , SFCD , and hot-air drying under different temperatures (30, 40, 50, and 60 ℃). Moisture, total ash, water-soluble extracts contents were studied, and the constituents of 7 homoisoflavonoids were detected by LC-MS . The results showed that 60℃ hot-air drying was the optimized method, for samples under 60℃ hot-air drying condition had a higher con centrations of homoisoflavonoids, saponins, and water-soluble extract contents, while their total ash content was lower.
References
[1] Chen, M.H, Chen, X. J, Wang, M, Lin, L.G, & Wang, Y. T. Journal of Ethnopharmacology2016:181, 193-213.