A method for isolation and purification of calycosin and formononetin from Astragali Radix

摘要

An improved method is provided to isolate and/or purify vegetable estrogen isoflavone ingredients of calycosin and formononetin having anti-cancer, anti-hypertension, anti-osteoporosis and anti-aging activities effectively from Astragali Radix. A method for isolating and purifying calycosin and formononetin from Astragali Radix comprises the steps of: (a) extracting the Astragali Radix or crushed Astragali Radix with C1-4 alcohol or an aqueous solution of the alcohol; (b) treating an extract of the step(a) with carbohydrolase and pectinase; and (c) adding an organic solvent for fractionation such as ethyl acetate to a resultant product of the step(b) to fractionate it. Further, a step of removing fat of the extract from the step (a) using an organic solvent for removal of fat is additionally comprised between the step (a) and the step (b).