[Online endpoint detection algorithm for blending process of Chinese materia medica].

Blending process, which is an essential part of the pharmaceutical preparation, has a direct influence on the homogeneity and stability of solid dosage forms. With the official release of Guidance for Industry PAT, online process analysis techniques have been more and more reported in the applications in blending process, but the research on endpoint detection algorithm is still in the initial stage. By progressively increasing the window size of moving block standard deviation (MBSD), a novel endpoint detection algorithm was proposed to extend the plain MBSD from off-line scenario to online scenario and used to determine the endpoint in the blending process of Chinese medicine dispensing granules. By online learning of window size tuning, the status changes of the materials in blending process were reflected in the calculation of standard deviation in a real-time manner. The proposed method was separately tested in the blending processes of dextrin and three other extracts of traditional Chinese medicine. All of the results have shown that as compared with traditional MBSD method, the window size changes according to the proposed MBSD method (progressively increasing the window size) could more clearly reflect the status changes of the materials in blending process, so it is suitable for online application.

Development of innovative structural components of Chinese medicine by multidisciplinary crossing.

"Prescription embodied in Preparation", Chinese medicine preparation, aims to study the specific form of Chinese medicine from raw materials to preparation for acting on patients directly. Its development has gone through three stages according to the characteristics of raw materials pretreatment, including "direct smash and initial extraction for Chinese materia medica", "Extensive extraction and preliminarily impurity for Chinese materia medica" and "Refining and purification for Chinese materia medica". With the development of new technologies and new theories, Chinese medicine preparation emerged in a new stage: structural components of Chinese medicine, with the characteristics of definited material basis, clear mechanisms, determined ADME/T properties, reasonable drug release system designs and scientific productions quality controls. This requires multidisciplinary to solve systemly the problems of Chinese medicine preparation. In this article, we reviewed the development of Chinese medicine preparation in different times, and analyzed the development and the characteristics of Chinese medicine preparation; and mainly focused on a fact that multidisciplinary promoted the study and development of Chinese medicine preparation, especially in structural components of Chinese medicine. It provides development direction and theoretical basis for Chinese medicine preparation.

[Exploration of one-step preparation of Ganoderma lucidum multicomponent microemulsion].

To explore one-step method for the preparation of Ganoderma lucidum multicomponent microemulsion, according to the dissolution characteristics of triterpenes and polysaccharides in Ganoderma lucidum, formulation of the microemulsion was optimized. The optimal blank microemulsion was used as a solvent to sonicate the Ganoderma lucidum powder to prepare the multicomponent microemulsion, besides, its physicochemical properties were compared with the microemulsion made by conventional method. The results showed that the multicomponent microemulsion was characterized as (43.32 +/- 6.82) nm in size, 0.173 +/- 0.025 in polydispersity index (PDI) and -(3.98 +/- 0.82) mV in zeta potential. The contents of Ganoderma lucidum triterpenes and polysaccharides were (5.95 +/- 0.32) and (7.58 +/- 0.44) mg x mL(-1), respectively. Sonicating Ganoderma lucidum powder by blank microemulsion could prepare the multicomponent microemulsion. Compared with the conventional method, this method is simple and low cost, which is suitable for industrial production.

[Determination of trace elements in mylabris before and after being processed].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the processing principle of Mylabris by comparing the differences between the contents of 11 trace elements in Mylabris before and after being processed. METHODS: Used Flame AAS, Graphite Furnace AAS and Hydride generation AAS to determine the content of Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Mg, Ca, K, Pb, Cd, As and Hg elements in Mylabris samples. RESULTS: The sequence of 11 trace elements contents in the Mylabris samples from high to low was: K > Mg > Fe > Ca > Zn > Mn > Cu > Pb > As > Hg > Cd. In Mylabris after being processed, the contents of Pb, As, Hg, Cd and Fe elements decreased, Cu, Mg and Ca increased; In the head, legs and wings of Mylabris, the contents of Hg and Pb elements were higher than those of the other parts. The content of As in the inner wings was the highest. CONCLUSION: The traditional processing method, stir-frying with rice and removing head, legs and wings is scientific.

[Comparison of the effects of traditional and modern processing methods on antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of Musca domestica].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the different effects of traditional and modern processing methods onantibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of Musca domestica. METHODS: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of traditional and modem processing products were carried out on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and macrophage RAW264.7 which activated by LPS. RESULTS: The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects were more pronounced in modern processing product treatment group than those of traditional processing product treatment group. CONCLUSION: Modern processing technology can protect the substances in Musca domestica which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

[Research on TLC identification and anti-coagulant activity quantitatively methods of Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans].

OBJECTIVE: To improve the quality standard of Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans by researching the methods of the TLC identification and anti-coagulant activity quantitatively. METHODS: Identified the free arginine (Arg) and serine (Ser) in scolopendra by TLC, screened the samples preparation process and developed solvent systems; Determined the anti-coagulant activity by method of titration with thrombin and screened the pretreatment methods. RESULTS: When medicinal materials was extracted by formic acid and 95% ethanol (1:1) with ultrasonic method and developed by n-butanol-acetic acid-water (12:5:4), the spots of Arg and Ser were well separated. Ultrasonic method was suitable for preparation of the anti-coagulant components in Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans and their anti-coagulant activity was determined by method of titration with thrombin could get a well reproducibility, the anti-thrombin activity of testing sample was (14.00 +/- 1.53) U/g and those of three different batch were (13.00 +/- 0.58) U/g, (17.00 +/- 1.15) U/g, (15.67 +/- 1.53) U/g respectively. CONCLUSION: The methods of TLC identification and anti-coagulant activity quantitatively could be used as a basis for improving the quality standard of Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans.

A review of traditional and current processing methods used to decrease the toxicity of the rhizome of Pinellia ternata in traditional Chinese medicine.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The rhizome of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit, called Pinelliae Rhizoma (PR) and Banxia in Chinese, is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with the functions of "removing dampness-phlegm" and "downbear counterflow and check vomiting". PR has potential toxic effects that can be detoxified by Fuzhi processing (repeated processing using one or multiple adjuvants) with specific adjuvants. AIM OF THE STUDY: This paper aims to provide a summary of traditional and current processing methods used to detoxify PR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The available references of the processing methods of PR from the classic books of Materia Medica, literature, online databases and masters or doctoral theses are collected and summarized. We also discussed the possible processing mechanisms of how we can achieve a safer and effective application of PR via these processing methods. RESULTS: PR cannot be administered orally before processing. PR contains nucleoside alkaloids, cerebrosides, fatty acids, lectin, polysaccharides, and calcium oxalate crystals. To date, although the active substances of PR are still unclear, the toxic components are almost completely clarified as needle-like calcium oxalate crystals (NCOCs) and lectin proteins. Furthermore, the toxic effects of PR include causing death in animals, inflammation, conjunctival irritation, pregnancy toxicity, teratogenicity, visceral toxicity, aphonia and vomiting. From ancient times to now, Fuzhi methods have remained the predominant method for PR processing, and the main adjuvants used are ginger juice, alum, licorice and lime. In addition, detoxification mechanisms are related to removing or damaging the NCOC and lectin in PR based on processing with adjuvants. Currently, Fuzhi processing has been greatly improved, and novel processing technologies with novel adjuvants have been used for PR processing. However, there are still some flaws in PR processing, which should be urgently solved in the future, and clarifying the characteristic bioactive compounds in PR corresponding to its function or effects is the most important step for PR processing. CONCLUSION: Our present paper reviewed the previous literature regarding all aspects of the processing of PR, and this paper will be helpful for achieving a safer and effective application of PR and its processed products and will also be beneficial for the further optimization of processing technology and clinical medication safety of PR.

An outbreak of cutaneous infection due to Mycobacterium abscessus associated to mesotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: In February 2009 an outbreak of subcutaneous abscesses due to Mycobacterium abscessus was detected in Spain which affected healthy women who had undergone mesotherapy procedures in an aesthetic clinic. METHODS: Epidemiological research, health inspection and microbiological studies were conducted. The patients were given antibiotic treatment (according to susceptibility testing) with clarithromycin, and in some cases, combined with amikacin. RESULTS: Seventeen out of 77 patients treated in the clinic were affected. The products used for the injections were homeopathic drugs in multi-dose vials. The environmental samples were negative. The sterile injection equipment and the clinical procedures were evaluated as correct. The storage conditions for the drugs were also correct, and all the samples tested negative for Mycobacteria. However Paenibacillus provencensis was isolated from samples of unused multi-dose vials and the withdrawal of the product from distribution was ordered. Deficiencies were detected in the sterile products process of at the homeopathic drug factory, so the production line was suspended. CONCLUSIONS: The results of environmental investigation suggest the most likely cause of the outbreak could have been the contamination of the products in the factory, although there was no laboratory confirmation. The widespread use of homeopathic products in invasive procedures requires extreme control during the manufacturing, handling and packaging process. It is important to consider mesotherapy and parenteral use of homeopathic medicines as potential sources of infection and therefore the same precautions in the procedures and quality assurance of products should be applied as with any other drug or medical activity.

[Quality control of traditional Tibetan Medicine Zsuotai].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the method of quality control for traditional Tibetan Medicine Zsuotai. METHODS: Collecting the samples of Tsuotai from Qinghai, Tibet, Sichuan, and Gansu province, to detect Hg2+ by Zsuotai reacted with HCl-HNO3 (3:1), and to determine the quantity of HgS in Zsuotai by sulfocyanate volumetric method. RESULTS: The method for the determination of HgS in Zsuotai was in good reproducibility (RSD = 0.68%). The calibration curve was linear (r = 0.9999) within -0.0002 - 0.2123 g of mercuric sulfide. The recovery was 100.94% (RSD = 0.66%). CONCLUSIONS: This method is convenient and accurate, so it can be used to establish quality control of the medicinal material.

[Enzymatic production of oral nutritional liquid from oyster].

OBJECTIVE: To prepare an oral nutritional liquid for protecting liver and antialcoholic from defatted oyster powder. METHODS: The orthogonal design was used to determine the optimal enzymatic hydrolytic condition and the enzymolysis liquid from oyster was deodorized and seasoned. RESULTS: The optimum hydrolytic conditions were determined as follows: defatted oyster powder added concentration of 2%, ratio of enzyme to base material 10%, enzymatic hydrolytic time 90 min, temperature 50 degrees C, pH 6.2. The content of glycogen, crude protein and amino acids in the oral nutritional liquid were 461 mg/100 mL, 381 mg/100 mL and 294.5 mg/100 mL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The processing conditions are stable and reliable and can be used to provide reference for further pilot scale production.

[Comparison of protein composition and activities of pilose antler processed by different methods].

To elucidate the influence of processing conditions on pilose antlers therapic effects, the protein composition and activities were compared on three kinds of pilose antler processed by lyophilization, freezing and traditional short-time heating, respectively. The concentration of the water soluble protein in freeze-dried pilose antler was 126.54 mg/g (Folin-Phenol assay), which was 13.1 times higher than that of heating processed antler. These proteins distributed widely in SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and the protein band between 50.0 kDa approximately 60.0 kDa achieved the highest concentration. The water extract of freeze-dried antler promoted the proliferation and IGF-I secretion of rat osteogenic-like cell UMR-106 by 245.25% ( MTT assay) and 66.36 ng/ml, which was respectively 2.2 times and 1.2 times of those of heating processed antler. The same candidate inhibited the growth of human hepatic carcinoma cell BEL-7402 by the highest rate of 47.64% , which was 1.4 times of heating processed antler. The activities of frozen fresh pilose antler were lower than those of its freeze-dried counterpart, but were much higher than those of heating processed antler. The results indicated that lyophilization help to remain the activity of pilose antlers proteins as much as possible and improve its efficacy.

[Comparative research on anticancer activity between fresh and processed Gekko subpalmatus].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anticancer activity of fresh and processed Gekko subpalmatus on mouse H22 hepatocellular in vitro and in vivo comparatively. METHODS: In vitro, the effect of different concentration fresh and processed Gekko subpalmatus on proliferation of H22 cells were measured by Monotetrazolium (MTT) assay. Mouse transplanted hepatoma H22 model was established to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of fresh and processed Gekko subpalmatus. Rate of restraining tumor, index of thymus and spleen were calculated after 14 days' treatment. RESULTS: In vitro, fresh and processed Gekko subpalmatus inhibited proliferation of H22 cells and the IC50 values were 8.53 mg/ml and 6.42 mg/ml. In vivo, the restraining tumor rates of fresh and processed Gekko subpalmatus each at the highest doses were 53.0% and 47.4%. Compared with those in CTX group, the indexes of thymus and spleen were markedly increased after all processed group's treatment. The indexes of the thymus increased after low dose fresh group's treatment. The indexes of the spleen of the moderate and high dose groups were higher than CTX group. CONCLUSION: Fresh and processed Gekko subpalmatus show significant anti-tumor activity in hepatoma cells both in vitro and in vivo. The processed samples can improve the immunity of the mouse.

[Optimization of formulation matrix proportion and preparation technology of realgar floating tablets for gastric retention by uniform design and correlation analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To optimize the different components proportions of the Realgar floating tablets for gastric retention by uniform design and correlation analysis. METHOD: With the different dosage of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) as the tablets frame matrix, uniform design and correlation analysis were used to optimize the best component proportions of formula, and to measure the dissolution of the tablets in vitro. RESULT: Dissolution of the tablets in vitro was conformed to the expectation of experiment. The drug-release mechanism was by diffusion and corrosion at the same time. CONCLUSION: The Realgar floating tablets for gastric retention achieved the goal of design, which demand sustained release and safety.

[Analysis on processing mechanism of calamine].

OBJECTIVE: To study processing method and mechanism of Calamine. METHOD: Thermogravimetry analysis method and nano-technology were adopted to analyze and synthesize the components in Calamine, Tetracycline was took as the comparison drug to determine the antibacterial activity of Calamine and its components. RESULT: A part of zinc carbonate in Calamine was decomposed into zinc oxide when processing, and the particle size was smaller than before. The antibacterial activity of Calamine is decided by the content and particle size of zinc oxide, and has nothing with zinc carbonate. The more content and the smaller particle size of zinc oxide, the more powerful antibacterial activity of Calamine. CONCLUSION: The content and the particle size of zinc oxide can be the important targets in the processing of Calamine.

[Comparison among 5 different extracting methods of Whitmania pigra whitman].

Whitmania pigra whitman is one of the traditional Chinese drugs commonly used in clinical practice for Blood circulation promoting and Stasis relieving, its active principle was unknown yet. In this report, five extracting methods have been studied based on its extract's anticoagulant and antithrombotic activity in vitro. The results have revealed that the extracts using different extracting methods showed different anticoagulant and anti-thrombotic activity. Among them, the extracts produced by water-boiling and alcohol-prepitating have shown the strongest anticoagulant activity and good antithrombotic effect.

[Elimination of poison from Halitum violaceum by processing].

The contents of polysulphides in different forms of Halitum violaceum (unprocessed, processed with vinegar, calcinated and boiled with water) were determined indirectly by UV spectrophotometry. The results showed that the unprocessed forms are higher in the contents of polysulphides while the processed ones have little or no such contents at all. It is thus believed that the poisons can be eliminated from Halitum violaceum by processing, which helps to decrease or eliminate polysulphides and sulphides.

[Influence of heating degrees on appearance of calcined shell drugs].

The colors, crisp extents and comminution rates of 4 kinds of shell drugs calcined under various conditions were conpared systematically. The appearance alterations of the calcined drugs were closely related to the heating degrees during calcining operation, and the effect of calcining duration was greater than that of calcining temperature.

[Experiments with the technology for manufacturing oral liquid of wuji jing].

An improved technological process for manufacturing the oral liquid of Wuji Jing (the essence of flesh of the black-boned chicken) is presented. In the present technique we adopted a hydrolytic procedure instead of extraction by boiling, as used in the original technology. We use some proteinase as hydrolytic agent.

[Uniform design for the best conditions of processing heixi in shenrong heixi pills] off.

Uniform design has been applied to select the optimum technological conditions for processing Heixi in Shenrong Heixi Pills, using the contents of the main constituent of Heixi SNS as the optimum target. The best technological conditions have thus been found.

[Various methods of processing pyritum].

Five methods of processing pyritum and the effect of temperature fluctuations on processed products were studied using Fe2+ in the decoction, sulphur in processed products and sulphur separated out of processed products after adding hydrochloric acid as indexes. The results may serve as a reference for further study on pyritum.