Quantitative and HPLC fingerprint analysis combined with chemometrics for quality evaluation of Codonopsis Radix processed with different methods

Objective To observe the effect of different processing methods on the quality of Codonopsis Radix and provide data reference for the reasonable processing in the producing areas. Methods An analytical strategy that combined quantitative and HPLC fingerprint analysis with chemometrics was developed for the quality evaluation of Codonopsis Radix. Lobetyolin, polysaccharide, sucrose, glucose, and fructose were detected simultaneously in Codonopsis Radix samples treated with different processing methods including dryer-drying, sun-drying, shade-drying, sulfur fumigation, and kneading, etc. Results The results showed that different processing methods had an obvious impact on the quality of Codonopsis Radix. Sun-drying or shade-drying was recommended, and sulfur fumigation should be avoided. And dryer-drying at 40 °C−50 °C was suggested to meet the requirement for large scale processing. In addition, based on the content of polysaccharide, glucose, and fructose, it was advised to knead for three times. As for lobetyolin and sucrose, kneading should be avoided. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that processing method had a big impact on the quality of Codonopsis Radix. Based on the results, the appropriate processing methods directed at different requirements were recommended. The study could lay a foundation for the reasonable processing of Codonopsis Radix in producing areas.