Study on packaging methods for Rhei Radix et Rhizoma / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the suitable packaging methods for Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (RRR) with the contents of active ingredients, quality loss before and after storage, shelf life, and economic benefit as indexes. Methods: Rheum palmatum was used in the experiment and the color of RRR was studied according to Chinese Pharmacopeia 2010. The extract was obtained by hot-dip method, and the contents of anthraquinone, gallic acid, and catechin were determined using HPLC. Results: The moisture capacity of RRR package had the significant effect on the active constituents, the highest content of extracting substances (31.36%) was obtained with the moisture content of 24%, and the lowest content was obtained with the moisture content of 14%. The highest anthraquinone content (1.893%) was obtained with the moisture content of 14%, and the highest in catechin and gallic acid contents were 1.492% and 0.400% with the moisture content of 20%. The contents of RRR extract and anthraquinone were the highest (33.47% and 1.891%) with vacuum packing, while those with common package were the lowest (28.30% and 1.539%). The highest contents of gallic acid and catechin (0.323% and 2.022%) were obtained with deoxidizer packaging. The mildew and infestation observation and the quality determination of one-year stored RRR showed that the vacuum packing had no mildew with the moisture content of less than 20%. Conclusion: The vacuum packing is an optimal atmosphere packaging method, which could increase the revenue of farmers and the moisture content of RRR during storage.