ABSTRACT
Objective: To analyze the contents of flavonoids in Astragali Radix before and after sodium pyrosulfite solution soa-king, so as to provide reliable methods for scientifically evaluating and effectively controlling the quality of Astragali Radix. Methods:After sodium pyrosulfite solution soaking, the contents of calycosin glucoside, ononin, formononetin and pterostilbene were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. Results: Calycosin glucoside, ononin, formononetin and pterostilbene showed a good linear relationship within the range of 0. 048-60. 000 μg·ml-1, 0. 019-30. 000 μg·ml-1, 0. 019-40. 000 μg·ml-1and 0. 019-40. 00 0μg·ml-1, respectively. After sodium pyrosulfite solution soaking, the contents of calycosin glucoside and ononin decreased, furthermore, with the increase of sodium sulfite solution concentration and soaking time, the decrease trend was more obvious, and the differences between the high concentra-tion group and the normal group were 2-3 times. The content of formononetin was essentially the same, while the difference in pterostil-bene content between the high concentration groups and the normal group was 10 times. Conclusion: After sodium pyrosulfite solution soaking, the contents of flavonoid glycoside components are reduced, therefore, it is not advisable to use sodium pyrosulfite solution soaking to achieve keeping fresh, mothproof and prolonging the shelf life of Astragali Radix.