Semi-bionic Enzyme Extraction Method of Glycyrrhizic Acid in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma

OBJECTIVE To study the suitable semi-bionic enzyme extraction method of glycyrrhizic acid in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. METHODS β-Dextranase, pectinase, extraction enzyme and cellulase were tested to determine which one was the most appropriate enzyme for glycyrrhizic acid extraction. The cellulase was selected and the semi-bionic cellulase extractions were performed in orthogonal experiment with three levels for three factors. Content of the glycyrrhizic acid in all the extracts were tested with HPLC. RESULTS Based on the content of glycyrrhizic acid and the extract yield, the preferred process of the orthogonal experiment was determined as: extraction temperature of 80 ℃, extraction time of 2.0 h and solid- liquid ratio of 1∶18. CONCLUSION Semi-bionic enzyme extraction is an economical and effective method for glycyrrhizic acid, which can be used in the extraction process of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma.