Abstract:

Wild Ligularia schmidtii (Maxim.) Makino in Changbai Mountain was studied for changes in the contents of total
flavonoids, saponins and polysaccharides and further investigated for its protective effects on gastric mucosa at different
harvest periods. The purpose was to find the optimal growth period of Ligularia schmidtii (Maxim.) Makino for the best
protective effect on gastric mucosa. After ultrasonic-assisted extraction of total flavonoids, alcohol extraction of saponins
and hot water extraction of polysaccharides in Ligularia schmidtii (Maxim.) Makino individually, the contents of these three
substances were determined. Then Ligularia schmidtii (Maxim.) Makino decoction from different harvest times was used
to examine its protective effect on the gastric mucosa of mice. Results showed that Ligularia schmidtii (Maxim.) Makino
harvested in June had good effect on protecting gastric mucosa, especially in late June, by which the percentage inhibition of
alcohol-induced gastric mucosal injury in mice was 48.07%, resulting in a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD)
activity and glutathione (GSH) content as well as a significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) content in mouse gastric
mucosa. The contents of total flavonoids, saponins and polysaccharides in Ligularia schmidtii (Maxim.) Makino at this stage
were at higher levels of 25.5, 15.0 and 198.1 mg/g, respectively.

Key words: Ligularia schmidtii (Maxim.) Makino, flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, protection of gastric mucosa