Correlation of comminution degree and astragalus polysaccharides yield in Mt. Hengshan Astragalus membranaceus / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To study the correlation between the comminution degree and astragalus polysaccharides yield in Mt. Hengshan Astragalus membranaceus (MHAM). Methods: MHAM was processed with the ultrafine treatment by mini plant mill, and grouped according to the different sizes. The yields of astragalus polysaccharides in each group were obtained under the different temperatures and ratios of material to liquid by water and CaO extraction methods. Results: When the powder size ≥ 600-mesh, the yield of astragalus polysaccharides with CaO extraction is higher than that with water extraction; When the powder size ≤ 800-mesh, the yields are almost the same by the two extraction methods. With the methods of both water and CaO extraction, the highest yields of astragalus polysaccharides (8.36% and 8.49%) were obtained at the following conditions: 800-mesh crushing granularity, 80°C extraction temperature, and 1:8 solid-liquid ratio. Conclusion: The yield of astragalus polysaccharides and the comminution degree of MHAM are related.