Dynamic Changes of Ferulic Acid and Coniferyl Ferulate in Chuanxiong Rhizoma during the Sun-drying Process

To investigate the dynamic changes of ferulic acids (total ferulic acid and free ferulic acid) and coniferyl ferulate in fresh Chuanxiong Rhizoma during the sun-drying process, the contents of both were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Results revealed that the contents of total ferulic acid, free ferulic acid and coniferyl ferulate showed an increasing trend at first and then a decreasing trend during the drying process (30 d). The maximum total ferulic acid content (0.23%) was found on the third day after drying. To retain the contents of total ferulic acid, quick drying technology should be used on the third day after drying. The results also suggested that coniferyl ferulate might serve as a storage of free ferulic acid, and the relationship between of physiological response and water content of ferulic acid accumulation in Chuanxiong Rhizoma during the drying process has important significance. Coniferyl ferulate was hydrolyzed into ferulic acid and coniferyl alcohol during processing. Ferulic acid was found to be the efficacy component of Chuanxiong Rhizoma, so total ferulic acid content as an index of Chuanxiong Rhizoma quality is scientific and reasonable.