[Studies on polysaccharide alkaloids and minerals from Dendrobium moniliforme (L.) Sw].

OBJECTIVE: To explore contents of active substances in different part of Dendrobium monilifrome and the quality influenced by different drying processes. METHOD: Contents of alkaloids and polysaccharides in upper, middle, lower-stem and root part of Dendrobium moniliforme were determined by uv-spectrophotometer method. Contents of essential trace elements were determined by ICP method. RESULT: Contents of polysaccharides and alkaloids were highest in the upper-stem of D. montiliforme. Contents of active substances in different part of D. moniliforme were unequal. Distributions of polysaccharides and alkaloids in different parts were greatly influenced by drying procedures. CONCLUSION: Dendrobium moniliforme has higher contents of active ingredients, such as essential tract elements, alkaloids and polysaccharides. The ideal drying process after harvesting is to be the way dried by fire at a high temperature and desiccated at a temperature of 60 degreeC.