Multi-component and antioxidant activities analysis in different parts of Sophora japonica / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To provide a basis for the rational use of Sophora japonica resources through comprehensive evaluation of different tissues and organs. Methods: The contents of rutin, narcissin, quercetin, isorhamnetin and heavy metals in the samples were detected by HPLC and ICP-OES. The Fe3+ reducing ability, DPPH free radical (DPPH•), ABTS free radical (ABTS•+) scavenging ability and total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) were detected by colorimetry. Then, cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were conducted by software of SPSS 20.0. Results: The total contents of four flavonoids in different tissues and organs of S. japonica were arranged as follows flower buds > flowers > flower axis > leaves > branches. The order of antioxidant capacities was as follows flower buds > flowers > flower axis > leaves > branches, which were positively correlated with the total contents of four flavonoids. The contents of five heavy metal elements in flowers and flower buds were within the limitation of the Green standards of medicinal plants and preparations for foreign trade and economy, while the Cd element in some leaves, flower axis and branches was beyond the standard. Flowers and flower buds were clustered into one type by CA, while flower axis, leaves and branches were clustered into another category. The two principal components (PC1 and PC2) were extracted from the eight variables by PCA, PC1 showed significant differences among different tissues and organs, and PC2 values showed large differences among batches. Conclusion: The flowers and flower buds of S. japonica showed an excellent qualities, including safe doses of heavy metals, rich flavonoids and outstanding antioxidant activities. In addition, the flower axis and leaves also contained high flavonoids and exhibited strong antioxidant activities, which had the value of further development and utilization.