Comparison of laxative and antioxidant activities of raw, processed and fermented Polygoni Multiflori Radix

AIM: To observe the anti-oxidative activity and adverse laxative effect of raw, traditional processed and fermented products of Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR), and furthermore, to evaluate the fermentation method used in the processing procedure of PMR. METHODS: In vitro ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay was carried out to evaluate the anti-oxidative activity. Modulation of normal defecation and effect on gastrointestinal motility in mice were carried out to investigate their adverse laxative effect. RESULTS: Fermented PMR induced less severe laxative adverse effect than Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata (PMRP). PMR fermented with Rhizopus sp. (FB) could modulate the defecation significantly. The gastrointestinal motility was inhibited by PMRP and PMR fermented with Rhizopus oryzae (FA). FA and FB showed better antioxidant activity than PMRP in 50% and 95% ethanol group. Contents of 2, 3, 5, 4'-tetrahydroxy-stilbene-2-O--D-glucoside (TSG) were reduced significantly after traditional processing but maintained after fermentation. Emodin and physcion were increased after traditional processing and fermented with Rhizopus oryzae. CONCLUSION: All processing procedure, including fermentation, might reduce its anti-oxidative activity. However, most of the processed products could lessen the adverse effect on gastrointestinal tract compared to PMR. Fermentation with Rhizopus oryzae was considered as a promising processing method of PMR.