ABSTRACT
Abstract Shenqu is a fermented product that is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat indigestion; however, the microbial strains in the fermentation process are still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate microbial diversity in Shenqu using different fermentation time periods. DGGE (polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) profiles indicated that a strain of Pediococcus acidilactici (band 9) is the predominant bacteria during fermentation and that the predominant fungi were uncultured Rhizopus, Aspergillus oryzae, and Rhizopus oryzae. In addition, pathogenic bacteria, such as Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Erwinia billingiae, and Pantoea vagan were detected in Shenqu. DGGE analysis showed that bacterial and fungal diversity declined over the course of fermentation. This determination of the predominant bacterial and fungal strains responsible for fermentation may contribute to further Shenqu research, such as optimization of the fermentation process.
Subject(s)
Bacteria/classification , Plant Extracts/metabolism , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis , Biota , Fungi/classification , Bacteria/genetics , Fermentation , Fungi/geneticsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine the contents of Emodin and Chrysophanol in Shenqu weitong capsule by RP-HPLC. METHODS: The samples were separated on Phenomenex BDS-C18(250 mm?4.6 mm, 5 ?m).The mobile phase con-sisted of acetonitrile-water-glacial acetic acid (55∶45∶0.5) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL?min-1. The detection wavelength was set at 254 nm. RESULTS: The linear range for Emodin was 2.188～54.700 ?g?mL-1(r=0.999 9) and 4.312～107.800 ?g?mL-1 for Chrysophanol (r=0.999 9). The average recovery of Emodin was 96.52% (RSD=0.59%) versus 98.45%(RSD=0.43%) of Chrysophanol. CONCLUSION: This method is convenient, accurate, reproducible and applicable for the quality control of Shenqu weitong capsule.