Chemical Composition Analysis and Biofunctionality of Polygonatum sibiricum and Polygonatum odoratum Extracts

Abstract

Polygonatum sibiricum (P. sibiricum) and Polygonatum odoratum (P. odoratum) are commonly known Chinese herbal medicine sources. Although they had similar medical effects, the difference between these varieties was verified in this study. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) was used to determine their chemical composition. P. sibiricum has seven chemical components, whereas P. odoratum has only five. Based on the DPPH radical scavenging activity analysis results, half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of P. sibiricum and P. odoratum were 4.23 and 18.3 mg/mL, respectively. The results of ABTS⁺ radical scavenging activity analysis showed that the IC₅₀ values of P. sibiricum and P. odoratum were 4.77 and 19.3 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, P. sibiricum had higher total phenolic content (10.0 mg of gallic acid / g of extract), and better reducing ability than P. odoratum. Again, P. sibiricum showed better tyrosinase inhibition ability than P. odoratum, and the IC₅₀ values were 9.68 and 15.4 mg/mL, respectively. P. sibiricum was concluded to have better biofunctionality than P. odoratum.