Effect of superfine-grinding on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Dendrobium nobile powders

Abstract

In herbal markets, an overwhelming majority the Dendrobium nobile are sold in dried strips form, and this product type would lead to the incomplete release of the active ingredient. To increase the bioaccessibility of Dendrobium nobile, we obtained powders of different particle sizes by shear-breaking and superfine-grinding to further compare its sensory properties, physical properties, the leaching rate of active ingredients and antioxidant activity in vitro. The results showed that the superfine-grinding changed the sensory properties and physical properties of Dendrobium nobile, with an increase in bulk density, a decrease in swelling capacity and water-holding capacity and an increase in water solubility index. The method also contributed to the release of total polysaccharides, dendrobine, total polyphenols and total flavonoids components, thereby increasing ABTS, DPPH and nitrite ion scavenging activity. In addition, scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy analyses showed that superfine-grinding had no effect on the primary structure of the fractions as with decreasing particle size. This study suggested that superfine-grinding could be a promising method for producing Dendrobium nobile powders with higher contents of bioactive compounds and bioactivity.