Objective To investigate the change patterns of flavonoid and saponin contents in Hongqi (Hedysari Radix, HR) before and after honey-processing, and to provide a scientific basis for quality control of the honey-processing technology and its processing mechanism. Methods UV-Vis spectrophotometry was employed to determine the contents of total flavonoids and total saponins in 10 batches of HR and Zhihongqi (Hedysari Radix Praeparata Cum Melle, HRPCM). HPLC was used to establish flavonoid-based and saponin-based fingerprints, and similarity evaluations were conducted. The contents of six marker components calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, ononin, calycosin, formononetin, astragaloside IV, and isoastragaloside II were determined by HPLC. Results After honey-processing of 10 batches of HR, the total flavonoid contents were significantly decreased (P < 0.01), with an average decrease of 25.8%; the total saponin contents were significantly increased (P < 0.01), with an average increase of 37.93%. Similarity evaluation of fingerprints indicated that honey-processing did not alter the basic chemical profile of HR. HPLC content determination showed that after honey-processing, formononetin content was significantly increased in 8 out of 10 batches (P < 0.05, 0.01), with an average increase of 30.49%; astragaloside IV and isoastragaloside II contents were significantly increased in 8 and 7 batches, respectively (P < 0.05, 0.01), with average increases of 34.79% and 26.22%; calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside and ononin contents were mainly decreased; calycosin content was mainly increased. Conclusion Honey-processing of Hedysari Radix can alter the active flavonoid and saponin components, thereby adjusting the structure of its pharmacodynamic material basis.

Hedysari Radix  /  honey-processing  /  flavonoids  /  saponins  /  fingerprint  /  HPLC  /  calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside  /  ononin  /  calycosin  /  formononetin  /  astragaloside IV  /  isoastragaloside II