OBJECTIVETo establish the processing method of Cistanche tubulosa decoction pieces.

METHODThe orthogonal test of four factors and three levels was used to optimize the main factors in the process of fresh C. tubulosa decoction pieces processing, including the thickness, temperature, and the time for inactivation of the enzyme in the plant. The result showed that the optimized condition was that fresh C. tubulosa was cut into 4 mm thickness, and heated at 70 degrees C for inactivation the enzyme in the plant for 6 min. Moreover, the optimized method was compared with the method of insolation and traditional dried method.

RESULTThe content of echinacoside in the C. tubulosa decoction piece by the optimized method was 7.3 times of that dried by insolation, and 12.8 times of that by traditional dry method; the content of verbascoside was 6. 5 and 14. 9 times of that dried by insolation and by traditional dry method, respectively; the content of galactitol was 7.1 and 13.2 times of that dried by insolation and by traditional dry method, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe quality of C. tubulosa decoction pieces could be improved by this method, and its crud drug could be saved, which would protect the source of the mild Herba Cistanche, and produced the better economic and ecological benefits.