Analysis on constituents of traditional Chinese medicine galamina.
- Author:
Lianju YANG
1
;
Zhijie ZHANG
;
Raorao LI
;
Xuefeng FENG
;
Jingyu YANG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Mass Spectrometry; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; standards; Pharmaceutical Preparations; chemistry; Quality Control
- From: China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2012;37(3):331-334
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo analyze constituents of traditional Chinese medicine galamina, and provide basis for the quality control of galamina.
METHODPolarization microscope and electron probe were adopted for a qualitative and quantitative analysis on microscopic appearance and micro-area constituents of galamina. Fourty-two elements contained in galamina were determined by the plasma mass-spectrometric method. Zinc oxide, the major constituent of galamina samples, was detected using the pharmacopeia method.
RESULTThe micro-area analysis on galamina samples showed that galamina is mainly constituted by various mineral particulates such as hydrozincite, smithsonite, zinc oxide and dolomite in a loose texture. It is also found that there are many counterfeit galamina sold in the market, marked by a high lead content in natural galamina samples.
CONCLUSIONGalamina is a mineral aggregation of multiple natural mineral substances, but those sold in the market has many quality problems. Therefore, a fast method shall be established to identify the authenticity of galamina and a standard shall be set to control harmful elements contained in galamina. It is suggested to conduct in-depth studies on excessive harmful elements contained in galamina medicinal materials.