Objective

2

We aimed to determine and analyze the flavonoid contents in Astragali Radix from different habitats

so as to provide an experimental basis for the accurate origin identification of Astragali Radix from Zizhou.

Methods

2

The root segments of

Astragalus membranaceus

(Fisch.) Bge.var.

mongholicus

(Bge.) Hsiao from Zizhou County of Shaanxi Province

Hunyuan County of Shanxi Province

Inner Mongolia Province

and Gansu Province

were used as experimental materials. High-performance liquid chromatography photo-diode array (HPLC-PDA) was used to determine the main flavonoid contents in Astragali Radix. Based on the flavonoid content data of Astragali Radix from 0.7 to 1.0 cm in diameter

the quality difference markers of Astragali Radix from Zizhou and other habitats were screened and a discrimination model was constructed by principal component analysis (PCA)

orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA)

cluster analysis

and Fisher discriminant analysis.

Results

2

The main flavonoid contents in Astragali Radix from different habitats were obtained. PCA can be used to preliminarily distinguish between Zizhou Astragali Radix and other habitats based on the flavonoid contents. OPLS-DA revealed four quality difference markers of Astragali Radix from Zizhou and other habitats. The accuracy of cluster analysis of Astragali Radix from different habitats based on the quality difference markers was 88.9%. The total discrimination rate of Astragali Radix from different habitats was 94.4% by the discrimination model based on the ratio of astrapterocarpan glucoside to isomucronulatol glucoside and the sum of the contents of four flavonoid glycosides.

Conclusion

2

The method to identify Astragali Radix from different production areas based on flavonoid contents is feasible.