Objective In order to demonstrate the feasibility of microwave processing as an alternative to traditional methods, the study aimed to systematically compare that different processing methods affect on the appearance, active components, toxicity and efficacy of Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, PR). Methods This study systematically compares the active components of different processed PR using extract yield determination, UV spectrophotometry, and HPLC. The irritancy of various processed products of PR was assessed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and slug irritation tests. Additionally, mouse ammonia-induced cough suppression and tracheal phenol red secretion assays were employed to evaluate the antitussive and expectorant effects of the different processed products of PR. Results The experimental results indicate that the water-soluble extract and alkaloid content of microwave-processed PR are significantly higher than those of traditionally processed products (P < 0.01). However, the total nucleoside content is lower than that of raw PR, Jiangbanxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum cum Zingibere et Alumine, PRPZA), and Qingbanxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum cum Alumine, PRPA), but higher than that of Fabanxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum, PRP) (P < 0.01). Compared to raw PR and traditionally processed products, the content of calcium oxalate raphides in microwave-processed PR is significantly reduced (P < 0.01), and the lectin protein structure is disrupted. The mucosal irritation was in the order: raw PR > PRPA > PRP > PRP > microwave-processed PR, and microwave-processed product showed almost no mucosal irritation. Pharmacological experiments indicated that the cough-suppressing and expectorant effects of microwave-processed PR were comparable to those of raw PR and significantly superior to those of traditionally processed products. Conclusion Microwave processing retains active components of PR while rapidly reducing its irritancy, with antitussive and expectorant activities comparable to those of raw PR. This study demonstrates the feasibility of microwave technology for PR, providing scientific evidence for its industrial-scale production and clinical applications.

Pinelliae Rhizoma  /  microwave preparation  /  traditional processing  /  biological evaluation  /  irritancy  /  antitussive and expectorant effects  /  toxicity  /  efficacy  /  alkaloids  /  nucleoside  /  calcium oxalate  /  lectin