[Amic solution hydrolysis for improving content of astragaloside IV in extract of Radix Astragali]

To optimize amic solution hydrolysis technique for improving the content of astragaloside IV in extract of Radix Astragali.

Orthogonal design was adopted to investigate the main factors that influenced hydrolysis. Choosing the content of astragaloside IV as inspecting index which determined by HPLC, total saponins was purified with the macro-reticular resine, and contents of saponins before and after hydrolysis were determined by colorimetry at 544 nm.

The ratio of amic solution to herb medicine was most notable in the four inspected factors. The optimal technique of hydrolysis was that the ratio was 1:5, concentration of amic solution was 2%, and the time of regurgitant extraction at 90 degrees C was two hours. The content of astragaloside IV was notably higher than before by hydrolysis. Difference wasnt significant between the content of saponins before and after hydrolysis by colorimetry.

Content of astragaloside IV was obviously higher than that before hydrolysis,but the content of total saponins was not changed before and after hydrolysis. The results showed that the other saponins can be transformed into astragaloside IV by hydrolysis. This method was valuable, which provided basis on its industrialization.