Effects of different steaming methods on saponins in taproots of Panax notoginseng / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To research the effect of different steaming methods on the saponins content in the taproots of Panax notoginseng. Methods: Colorimetric method is used to determine the content of total saponins in the taproot of P. notoginseng, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for determining the content of monomer saponins in the taproot of P. notoginseng. Results: The contents of total saponins, notoginsenoside R1, and ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rb1, and Rd in the taproot of P. notoginseng have been reduced to some extent, while the contents of five kinds of monomer saponins of ginseng, i.e. ginsenosides Rh1, Rh4, Rk3, 20(S)-Rg3, and 20(R)-Rg3 all have been increased in varying degrees after steamed. Conclusion: The different steaming methods have the different influences to saponin composition in the taproot of P. notoginseng, the contents of total saponins and five main saponins could decrease and new generated monomer saponins could increase associated with the steaming time and temperature. This method can be used for the determination of the contents of saponin compounds and quality control in processed notoginseng products, and provide the basis for the study on the correlation between notoginseng "sheng da shu bu" and substance changes, while provide the certain theory basis for researching the accumulation rule of rare saponins.