• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.481-485
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• 2011

This study was to investigate catalpol content and antioxidant activities in five cultivars (Kokang, Suwon 10, Suwon 11, Jiwhang 1 and Korea) of Rehmannia Radix. Catalpol content was analysed by HPLC using $C_{18}$ column ($150{\times}4.6\;mm$, $5{\mu}m$), 1% acetonitrile and a UV detector. The standard curve was found to be a linear regression of y=0.0483x-0.0841 ($R^2$=0.999). The catalpol content ranged from 85.2 mg/g to 144.9 mg/g, of which the Korea was the highest among cultivars. The total phenol content in Rehmannia Radix was 0.358~0.459 mg/g, of which the Korea was the highest among cultivars. The antioxidant activities determined by DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities were the highest in Korea with $IC_{50}$ of 205.8 mg/g for DPPH radical scavenging activity and $IC_{50}$ of 38.8 mg/g for hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Based on these results, the Korea among Rehmannia Radix cultivars was suggested to be a potent medicinal plant material for antioxidant activities.