Maintenance Methods And Their Effects On The Immune Function Of Codonopsis Radix

Codonopsis radix is recorded as the dried root of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., C. pilosula Nannf. var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. shen or C. tangshen Oliv. in Chinese Pharmacopoeia.Codonopsis radix can profit lung and spleen and nourish blood. Its production and consumption are increasing year by year, thus the storage and maintenance of Codonopsis radix has become a pressing problem. The paper investigated the different maintenance methods for the storage of Codonopsis radixm, and compared the effect of the sulphur fumigation and low-temperature vacuum package of Codonopsis radix on the immune function in mice, so as to provide scientific reference for maintenance and reasonable application of Codonopsis pilosula. The paper includes four chapters.The first chapter reviewed progress in pharmacognosy, maintenance methods, functions and pharmaceutical research on Codonopsis radix. Pharmacognosy generalized the appearance, microscopic characteristics, processing methods, commodity markets and chemical research of three sources of Codonopsis radix. Functions described the biological activities and clinical application of Codonopsis radix. Pharmaceutical research mainly summarized the complex preparations used and the application of micronization technology. Maintenance methods included the factors which may influence the storage of Codonopsis pilosula, traditional and modern storage maintenance measures.The second chapter mainly surveyed the historical literatures of Codonopsis radix. The possible reason for confuse between Codonopsis radix and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma was discussed, and the reason for failure to be recorded in literature was also analyzed. The genuinity of Codonopsis radix originated from Gansu was dated. Codonopsis radix and Ginseng Radix are not the same species; Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.)Nannf produced in Gansu is actually the transplanted species early growing in Shanxi province。The third chapter focused on the efficiency of different maintenance methods on the storage of Codonopsis radix. These methods included low-temperature vacuum package, normal temperature vacuum package, storage with tobacco or fennel, anhydrous ethanol steam and sulphur fumigation. Mildew and insect damage were observed, and the content of polysaccharide and flavonoids of Codonopsis Radix were investigated during the period of storage. Low-temperature vacuum package and sulfur fumigation can keep Codonopsis radix from mildew and insect damage for one year, and the content of polysaccharide and flavonoids of all tested Codonopsis radix was not statistically significant.The fourth chapter investigated the immune function of mice being given the extract of Codonopsis radix maintanenced with sulfur fumigation and low-temperature vacuum package. Weight change, organ indexes, blood cell indices, macrophage phagocytic function, IL-2and IFN-y levels were measured to judge change of immune function. The results showed that there is no difference in immune effect of Codonopsis radix between maintanenced with sulfur fumigation and low-temperature vaccum package methods during experimental period in mice. However, taking the decotion of Codonopsis radix maintanenced with sulphur fumigation can exert negative effect on appetite and body weight.In a short, low-temperature vacuum package can replace traditional sulfur fumigation to maintenace Codonopsis radix, and it can keep the quality of Codonopsis Radix to a certain extent.