Effect of Electron Beam Irradiation on Main Components and Fingerprint of Panax notoginseng Powder

In order to explore the effect of electron beam irradiation sterilization on the quality of Panax notoginseng powder, the effects of different irradiation doses (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 13 kGy) on the number of microorganisms, moisture content, total ash, alcohol-soluble extracts, active ingredients, the antioxidant capacity and fingerprint of Panax notoginseng powder were investigated. The results showed that electron beam irradiation could effectively kill microorganisms in Panax notoginseng powder, the D₁₀ value of total aerobic microbial count was 2.04 kGy, and the number of microorganisms fell below the detection standard limit when the irradiation dose was 4 kGy. The antioxidant capacity was significantly improved (P<0.05). The moisture content, total ash, alcohol-soluble extracts, color, notoginsenoside R₁, ginsenoside Rb₁, ginsenoside Rg₁ and fingerprint had no significant change. Therefore, electron beam irradiation was an effective sterilization method for Panax notoginseng powder. The dose of electron beam irradiation within 13 kGy did not significantly affect the quality of Panax notoginseng powder, and could improved its antioxidant activity. This study would provide a theoretical reference for the quality control of Panax notoginseng powder and other processed products based on the electron beam irradiation technology.