Optimization of the Formula Process of the Peony Pollen Candy in Tablet and Evaluation of in Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Various Digestive Products

Objective: To optimize the formula process of peony pollen candy in tablets and evaluate its antioxidant activity in vitro. Methods: On the basis of the single-factor experiment, taking the dosage of peony pollen, filler, and sweetener as factors, applying the comprehensive scores of the sensory, hardness, and disintegration time as evaluation indexes, the formula process of the peony pollen candy in tablets was optimized by response surface methodology. The DPPH and ABTS⁺ free radical scavenging capacity of various digestive products of the peony pollen candy in tablets simulated in the human body were determined. Results: The optimal prescription of the candy was as follows: 0.7 g of peony pollen, 3.3 g of the filler, and 1.7 g of the sweetener. The comprehensive score of this formula process was 6.39. The maxima scavenging rates of DPPH and ABTS⁺ free radicals by accumulated digestive products simulated in the human body were 91.56% and 96.42%, respectively. Conclusion: The formula of the peony pollen candy in tablets is simple and easy to handle. It retains the unique flavor of the peony pollen and maintains in vitro antioxidant activity.