ABSTRACT
Objective: To optimize the infiltration process of Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus) medicinal materials by Box-Behnken response surface method. Methods: Based on the HPLC-DAD-ELSD and response surface design method, the qualified rate of decoction pieces, the content of index components and bending inspection were used as comprehensive inspection indicators, and the three factors of infiltration were selected for response surface experimental design to optimize the infiltration process of Astragalus medicinal materials parameter. Results: The best infiltration process was as following: infiltration temperature was 20 ℃, with water addition of 1:0.988 for 6 h. Under this process, the qualified rate of Astragalus pieces was 95.81%, the content of calycosin-7-glucoside was 0.072%, and the content of astragaloside IV was 0.276 %. Combining fingerprint analysis and heat map analysis, the material basis of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus changed during the infiltration process. The infiltration parameters should be strictly controlled during the infiltration process to ensure uniform quality of the pieces. Conclusion: The optimized Astragalus medicinal material infiltration process is stable and feasible with good reproducibility, which can provide a reference for the mass production process development of Astragalus medicinal slices.