• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.363-369
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• 2015

Background : Platycodon grandiflorum radix used as a therapeutic agent for lung and respiratory diseases in traditional Korean medicine. The saponin and sugar content in P. grandiflorum root is dependent on the drying temperature and method. In this study, we investigated saponins and antioxidant contents in dried P. grandiflorum roots either not cut or cut to different lengths. Methods and Results : P. grandiflorum roots were either cut to 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 cm in length or left uncut. They were dried at $45^{\circ}C$ and the effect of antioxidant substances, antioxidant ability, and saponin content were investigated. P. grandiflorum roots rapidly dried out when cut to short lengths. The saponin contents (platycodin D, polygalacin D, and deapioplatycodin D) was highest in the uncut P. grandiflorum roots. When the cut lengths were long, the levels of polyphenolic compound increased. However, 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities were higher in the samples cut to shorter lengths. Conclusions : These results suggested that the saponin and antioxidant content of P. grandiflorum roots could be maximized by controlling the drying rate of the roots via adjustments to the root cutting length.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.187-201
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• 2017

This study was conducted to elucidate the effect of mulching materials on growth characteristics, saponin contents and antioxidant activity of Platycodin grandiflorum Ridix roots for organic farming. Plastic film, sawdust and rice bran were treated by mulching with several different methods after transplanting P. grandiflorum Radix. In root length, when plastic film plot, sawdust plot and rice bran plot were treated, root length was recorded the highest scores (24.0~27.5 cm) in plastic film plot and sawdust plot. Root width was recorded the highest score (30.0 mm) in plastic film plot. Also, the number of fine-roots was the highest in plastic film plot (36.0). Fresh weight, which affects directly yield, was the highest in plastic film plot (130 g/plant). The contents of platycodin D3 and deapioplatycodin D were shown to 111.2 and 48.1 mg/100 g, the highest values were observed in sawdust plot. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were recorded the highest scores (11.0 and 8.6 mg/g, respectively) in plastic film plot. In this study we confirmed that there were differences among mulching materials in growth characteristics, saponin contents and antioxident activity of P. grandiflorum roots.