Evaluation of different types of bitterness masking on inhibition of bitterness efficiency and law of four Chinese materia medicine decoctions of Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma, Sophorae Flavescentis Radix, Andrographis Herba, and Nelumbinis Plumula / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effects and the law of anti bitterness efficiency of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) and other different types bitterness masking at different concentrations on the bitterness decoction of Chinese materia medica (BDCMM) by using the traditional human taste panel method (THTPM) and Electronic tongue (E-tongue). Methods Based on THTPM, the bitterness reduction value (ΔI), the correction rate of bitterness suppression (CRBS), and the correction rate of bitterness suppression potency index (PI50) were used as indicators to evaluate the bitterness suppression effect of four bitterness masking at different concentrations on BDCMM such as Sophorae Flavescentis Radix (SFR), and the relationship model between the concentrations of ΔI and bitterness masking was established to explore the bitterness suppression rule of bitterness masking on different BDCMM. Based on the E-tongue method, the E-tongue taste response information values of HP-β-CD and Acesulfame K to BDCMM such as SFR were measured at different concentrations, and the electronic tongue bitterness reduction value (ΔIe) was used as an index to explore the change rule of ΔIe with bitterness masking concentration. THTPM and E-tongue was combined to establish a prediction model of the effect of bitterness suppression. Results The ΔI, CRBS, and PI50 of four kinds of BDCMM with different concentrations of bitterness masking were measured, which can be used to compare the bitterness suppression effect of bitterness masking; The relation between ΔI and bitterness masking concentration accorded with Weibull curve model; Based on E-tongue, ΔIe was obtained, and the model of the relationship between ΔIe and bitterness masking concentration was established. The relationship between ΔIe and ΔI was established. The model determination coefficients of HP-β-CD for the two types of ΔIe of the two BDCMM were 0.986 1, 0.977 9, 0.989 0, and 0.982 0 respectively (P < 0.01, n = 6). Acesulfame had no response to the sensor and did not establish a model of bitterness suppression law. Conclusion Based on THTPM and E-tongue, a method for evaluating the bitterness suppression effect of bitterness masking on BDCMM was established. The bitterness suppression effect of bitterness masking on BDCMM such as SFR was studied by molecular inclusion, high-efficiency sweetening, and other bitterness suppression mechanisms were inverstigated.