Evolution of Gentian Processing and Research Progress
The traditional Chinese medicine Radix gentianae has the effect of clearing heat and dampness,purging liver and gallbladder fire,and has a long history of medicinal use.The processing methods of Radix gentianae included alcohol or honey stir-fry in ancient times,which was intended to ease the bitter and cold properties of Radix gentianae.Among them,the alcohol stir-fry method has been the most widely used.By this means,the dissolution of gentiopicroside and other chemical components in the medicinal materials can be increased.This paper summarized the processing methods of Radix gentianae in ancient books and the processing standards for Chinese medicine decoction pieces in each province,and traced the changes of chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Radix gentianae before and after processing.On this basis,the reasons for the changes of Radix gentianae processing in ancient and modern times were analyzed in order to provide a reference for subsequent development of Radix gentianae.