Identification of Common Quality Variations in Traditional Chinese Medicines-Liaoning Chaohua Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

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Identification of Common Quality Variations in Traditional Chinese Medicines

Release Date:

2020-09-18

Identification of Common Quality Variations in Traditional Chinese Medicines

I. Purity

First, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the proper use of conventional Chinese medicinal materials and to be familiar with the parts of the plant used in medicine. Non-medicinal parts should be treated as impurities, and the levels of impurities present in the medicinal material must be strictly controlled. Efforts should be made to minimize both organic impurities—such as dead branches and leaves, residual fruit stalks, fruit pits, scale-like bark, insect excrement, and the carcasses of pests or larvae—and inorganic impurities—such as clods of soil, small stones, and sand particles—that may be introduced during collection.

II. Dryness and Humidity

Given the great diversity and varying properties of traditional Chinese medicinal materials, the pharmacopoeia sets slightly different moisture limits for each. For both crude herbal materials and processed herbal slices, a safe moisture limit should be specified to ensure long-term storage without spoilage; this criterion is typically determined on the basis of empirical experience.

IV. Mold Growth in Traditional Chinese Medicinal Materials: This refers to the proliferation of mold on or within the surface of medicinal materials after they have become damp.

It is generally believed that mold growth equals spoilage.

2. During the production, storage, transportation, and distribution of traditional Chinese medicines, improper handling under the combined influence of external conditions and intrinsic factors can readily lead to mold growth and other forms of degradation, directly compromising the quality and safety of these products.

3. The hazards of mold contamination in traditional Chinese medicines mainly manifest in the following aspects: deterioration and loss of efficacy; and the formation of carcinogenic substances.

Pharmacopoeia: Mold contamination is a single-vote veto—zero tolerance.

V. Insect Damage:

It refers to the destructive effects caused by pest infestation within the tissues of medicinal materials.

(Concept of illegal labeling; the context is consistent throughout; for reference only.)

VII. Oil Floating (Oil Blooming)

Also known as “oil seepage,” this refers to the phenomenon in which oils contained within medicinal materials exude to the surface. In practical applications, it typically describes a situation where the surface of dried medicinal materials exhibits an oily substance, often accompanied by discoloration and deterioration.

VIII. Oil Loss (Dry and Withered Appearance)

Definition: Certain medicinal materials containing volatile oils may lose their volatiles and subsequently become dried, shriveled, or fragmented due to the influence of temperature and air; this phenomenon is referred to as “oil loss.” For example, when magnolia bark and cinnamon lose their essential oils, they become dry, brittle, and unsuitable for medicinal use.

(Illegal label, for reference only)

Key points for trait inspection: dry and not oily.