Li Cui, Zhenhai Zhang, E Sun, Xiaobin Jia, Qian Qian
Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, China.
DOI: 10.4103/0976-9668.107291

ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of β-cyclodextrin complexation on the solubility and hydrolysis rate of icariin. Material and Methods: The inclusion complex of icariin at the molar ratio of 1:1 was obtained by the dropping method and was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry. The solubility of icariin complex in water at 37΀C was 36 times greater than that of free icariin. Enzymatic hydrolysis conditions were tested for the bioconversion of icariin by mono-factor experimental design. Results: The enzymatic hydrolysis experiment showed that icariin can be transformed into baohuoside I. The optimum conditions determined were as follows: pH 5.0, 50΀C, the ratio of cellulase/substrate (0.6), the concentration of icariin 20 mg/ml, and reaction time 12 h. Under these enzymatic conditions, 98.2% transforming rate of baohuoside I from icariin in inclusion complexes was obtained. Conclusion The aqueous solubility and enzymatic hydrolysis rate of icariin were improved owing to the inclusion complexation.

Keywords: Baohuoside I, enzymolysis, icariin, inclusion complex, β?cyclodextrin-cyclodextrin.