[Characterization methods of flowability of traditional Chinese medicine powders].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the flowability of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) powders by using appropriate methods. METHOD: With highly flowable direct compression excipients and Chinese traditional medicine powder as raw materials, the flowability of material powders is determined by the Carr method and the Jenike method. RESULT: The Carr method and the Jenike method for the determination of the flowability of Chinese herb extract powder and direct-pressing excipients have no obvious difference. But the flowability of Chinese herb extract powder is not as good as direct compression excipients. CONCLUSION: From the characterization results of both methods, we can find that the Carr method better reflects the actual flowability of TCM extracts, while the Jenike method can be used for guiding the design of the hopper device.