[Study on the composition and pharmacological function change of rhizoma polygonati before and after processing].

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the processing mechanism of Rhizoma Polygonati (RP) through studying the correlation between the change of composition and pharmacological function in raw and processed RP.

METHODS

The extraction of petroleum ether, methylene dichloride, ethyl acetate and 1-butanol of the raw and processed RP were compared by HPLC. The compounds changed in processed RP in the methylene dichloride extraction were further identified with reference substances. The immune function of methylene dichloride extraction of raw and processed RP were compared.

RESULTS

The changed compound in concentration was determined to be 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural. After processed, the concentration of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural sharply increased. The carbon clearance index (P < 0.01) and coefficient of phagocytosis (P < 0.05) were increased remarkably by processed RP comparing to those of the normal saline and raw RP.

CONCLUSION

The increase of immune function of processed RP may be related to increasing of concentration of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural. The results provide a better understanding of RP processing.