ABSTRACT
Objective To optimize the extraction process of main iridoid glycosides in Damnacanthus officinarum Huang and evaluate the antioxidant activity of Damnacanthus officinarum Huang in vitro. Methods The classical heating-reflux extraction method was selected. The volume fraction of ethanol, the volume of solvent and extraction time were taken as the evaluation factors. The comprehensive score of extraction yield and the monotropein content were used as the evaluation indexes. An orthogonal test was designed to select the best extraction conditions. The total reducing capacity, DPPH clearance rate and hydroxyl radical scavenging rate were measured to determine its antioxidant activity in vitro. Results The optimal extraction process was the reflux with 6 times volume of 60% ethanol for 2 hours. Damnacanthus officinarum Huang has certain antioxidant capacity, and the activity of ethyl acetate part had the best effect. Conclusion The optimized extraction process is stable and feasible, which can be used for extraction of the iridoid glycosides from Damnacanthus officinarum Huang. This study has proved that Damnacanthus officinarum Huang has certain antioxidant activity.