Compositional differences of Bojungikgi-tang decoctions using pressurized or non-pressurized extraction methods with variable extraction times

Objectives : In other to determine the optimal extraction conditions, the various Bojungikgi-tang (BJIGT) decoctions prepared by different pressure levels and different extraction times were compared and evaluated in terms of the extract yield and the total soluble solid content. Methods : Decoctions were prepared by the pressure levels of 0 (non-pressurized) and 1 $kgf/cm^2$ (pressurized) for 60, 120 and 180 min. The extract yield and the total soluble solids content of decoctions were measured, and the amounts of the reference compounds in decoctions were investigated by the analysis using high performance liquid chromatography. Results : The extract yield and the total soluble solid content were higher in decoctions extracted by the pressurized method than those from decoction with non-pressurized method. The patterns of yield and contents showed a proportional increase to the extraction time. In analysis of the linear regression for four reference compounds such as liquiritin, nodakenin, hesperidin, and glycyrrhizin, the good linearity with the correlation coefficient more than 0.9999 was observed. The highest contents for four reference compounds were observed at 180 min of both the pressurized method and the non-pressurized method. Conclusions : This study suggests that the pressure in extraction method and the extraction time affect the compositional constituents in BJIGT decoctions. The extraction time of 180 min could be chosen in both pressurized and non-pressurized method as optimal extraction condition.