Inulin-Like Fructosan Content in the Below-Ground Organs of Echinacea purpurea and Its Processing Products

Abstract

The accumulation of inulin in the dried rhizomes with roots of Echinacea purpurea cultivated in the non-chernozem zone of the Russian Federation in 2008 – 2010 was studied in plants of different ages (2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 years of vegetation) and times of harvesting the above-ground parts (in the phenological phases of stem extension, budding, flowering, and repeatedly during the vegetation period). Inulin contents were also studied in infusions made from this species in 40% and 70% ethanol with different particle sizes after passage through sieves with mesh sizes of 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mm. The most extensive accumulation of inulin in material in 2008 and 2009 was seen after repeated removal of shoots, and in 2010 after harvesting of the above-ground part in the stem extension phase. Increases in the age of the producing plants to seven years of vegetation was associated with a significant decrease in the raw material inulin content. The infusion in 40% ethanol contained much more inulin than the infusion in 70% ethanol, i.e., this was a water-soluble polyfructan. The greatest quantity of inulin was extracted form raw material particles of 1 mm. Meal contained about 10% inulin, allowing its further use.