Effect of the ⁶⁰Co-γ Ray Irradiation Sterilization on the Content of Notoginsenoside R1 in Sanqi Powder

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of ⁶⁰Co-γ ray irradiation sterilization on the content of notoginsenoside R1 in Sanqi powder. METHODS Before and after the irradiation with three doses (5, 8, 10 kGy), the contents of notoginsenoside R1 and the sums of the aerobic bacteria, mold, yeast were determined by UPLC. RESULTS After 5 kGy dose of irradiation, Sanqi powder could meet the hygienic standard, without significant change on the content of notoginsenoside R1. While after the irradiation dose of 8 kGy and 10 kGy, the content of notoginsenoside R1 changed significantly. CONCLUSION The effects of sterilization is ideal by ⁶⁰Co-γ ray. But it is crucial to give more thoughts to the right dose.