Determination of Volatile Oil and Saikosaponins in Radix Bupleuri Harvested in Different Season / 中国药房

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:To determine the content of volatile oil and saikosaponins in Radix Bupleuri collected in different harvesting seasons.METHODS:Volatile oil was extracted from Radix Bupleuri by using volatile oil extractor; the content of sai-kosaponins in Radix Bupleuri harvested in different seasons were determined by visible spectrophotometry taking saikosaponin a as index.RESULTS:The content of volatile oil was the highest in Radix Bupleuri harvested in July but the lowest in November;the content of saikosaponins was the highest when harvested in May and the lowest in September. CONCLUSION:The method is simple and rapid,and it provides scientific basis for the establishment of the best harvesting season of Radix Bupleuri.