Seasonal Variation of Phenolic Component Contents in the Stems of Korean Acanthopanax senticosus

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the total phenolic content of Korean Acanthopanax senticosus stems harvested in different seasons and provide basic data for developing functional reinforcement products based on the optimal harvesting time. Methods: Each sample harvested in different seasons was extracted and concentrated twice for 2 hours using 70% ethyl alcohol. Phenolic compounds were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography for simultaneous multi-component analysis of 14 compounds, including syringaresinol and so on. Results: The results showed that the stem of Korean Acanthopanax senticosus harvested in winter (November 29th) (EAS-5) had the highest phenolic content of 1.038%. The stem of Korean Acanthopanax senticosus harvested in autumn (October 1st) (EAS-4) showed the second-highest phenolic content of 0.764%, followed by the stem of Korean Acanthopanax senticosus harvested in spring (February 2nd) (EAS-1) with a content of 0.390%. On the other hand, the stem of Korean Acanthopanax senticosus harvested in the summer (June 2nd) (EAS-3) showed the lowest content at 0.342%. In conclusion, the stem of Korean Acanthopanax senticosus harvested in winter (EAS-5) showed the highest phenolic compound content. Conclusions: Considering the extraction yield and the total phenolic content, as well as the concentrations of key functional components such as eleutheroside B, chlorogenic acid, and syringaresinol in the 70% ethyl alcohol extract of Korean Acanthopanax senticosus, it is suggested that the stems of Korean Acanthopanax senticosus harvested during the winter season are suitable for the development of novel materials with enhanced anti-obesity functionality.