基于“辨状论质”理论对南柴胡外观性状与内在质量的相关性研究

Correlations between appearance traits and internal quality of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd.roots based on theory of“quality evaluation through morphological identification”

南柴胡以色红、根粗、根长、气味浓厚者为优,但该性状特征的科学内涵尚未被阐释。该研究基于“辨状论质”理论,探讨了南柴胡药材外观性状(包括根的表面RGB值、长度、直径、干重和皮木比)与主要化学成分(挥发油、总皂苷、总黄酮、总多糖和7种单体柴胡皂苷总含量)之间的相关性。采用Epson扫描仪和ImageJ对14个产地的南柴胡药材外观性状进行扫描与测量;采用HPLC和紫外分光光度法测定化学成分含量,将外观性状指标与化学成分含量进行相关性、回归和聚类分析。相关性分析结果表明南柴胡中挥发油和柴胡皂苷含量与表面RGB值、长度、直径呈显著相关性,说明在一定范围内南柴胡的表面颜色越红、越长、越粗,其挥发油和柴胡皂苷的含量越高。依据外观性状和化学成分含量可将14个产地的南柴胡药材划分为4个等级,且各等级间外观性状与化学成分含量的差异保持一致。由此可见,南柴胡药材外观性状指标(RGB值、长度、直径)可作为判断其品质的依据。同时该研究结果也为建立南柴胡客观、科学的质量评价方法奠定基础。

It is generally believed that high-quality Bupleurum scorzonerifolium roots possess specific morphological characteristics,being red,robust,and long with strong odor.However,the scientific connotation of these characteristics h as not been elucidated.According to the theory of“quality evaluation through morphological identification,”we studied the correlations between appearance traits(the RGB value of root surface,root length,root diameter,dry weight,and ratio of phloem to xylem)and content of main chemical components(volatile oils,total saponins,total flavonoids,total polysaccharides,and seven saikosaponins)of B.scorzonerifolium roots.Epson Scanner and ImageJ were used to scan the root samples and measure the appearance traits.Ultraviolet spectrophotometry and HPLC were employed to determine the content of chemical components.The correlation,regression,and cluster analyses were performed to study the correlations between the appearance traits and the content of chemical components.The results showed that the content of volatile oils and saikosaponins were significantly correlated with RGB value,root length,and root diameter,indicating that within a certain range,the roots being redder,longer,and thicker had higher content of volatile oils and s aikosaponins.According to the appearance traits and chemical component content,the 14 samples from different producing areas were classified into four grades,and the differences in morphological traits and chemical component content were consistent amon g different grades.The findings in this study demonstrate that appearance traits(RGB value,root length,and root diameter)can be used toevaluate the quality of B.scorzonerifolium roots.Meanwhile,this study lays a foundation for establishing an objective qualityevaluation method for B.scorzonerifolium roots.