To characterize the ultra-fine particles of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC., Phellodendron chinense Schneid and the ERMIAO PILL*, a compounded preparation of the above two drugs, for the purpose to observe a deeper view on their physico-chemical properties. Methods　By comparing their particle size, porosity and specific surface area with light and scanning electron microscope. Results　The size of the ultra-fine particles were more uniform in size, 90% of which were under 20 μm, their specific area were increased by 60% ～ 190% and bulk density were around 0.42 g/cm3, and the great majority of the plant cells were broken as compared with the conventional coarse powder. Conclusion　Both A. lancea and P. chinense together with their combined preparation became smaller in particle size, more uniformly distributed with increased specific surface area and broken cell wall.

Objective To study the refining of Radix Sophorae Flavescentis (RSF) decoction by microfiltration combined with ultrafiltration method,and to compare the refining effect with that refined by alcohol sedimentation method.Methods HPLC was applied to analyze the content of oxymatrine,ultroviolet (UV) spectrophotometry was used to determine the content of total flavonoids in RSF decoction,and suitable concentration of NaOH solution for the detergent were chosen in order to wash the membrane.Results The refining effect is better and the recovery ratio of efficient components is higher in RSF decoction refined by microfiltration combined with ultrafiltration method than in those refined by alcohol sedimentation method.Microfiltration combined with ultrafiltration method is of simple operation and short period,and ultrafiltration membranes can be easily washed.Conclusion The microfiltration combined with ultrafiltration method can be used as the alternative for the traditional alcohol sedimentation method in refining of RSF decoction.

Object To characterize the ultra fine particles of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb ) DC., Phellodendron chinense Schneid and the ERMIAO PILL *, a compounded preparation of the above two drugs, for the purpose to observe a deeper view on their physico chemical properties Methods By comparing their particle size, porosity and specific surface area with light and scanning electron microscope Results The size of the ultra fine particles were more uniform in size, 90% of which were under 20 ?m, their specific area were increased by 60% ～ 190% and bulk density were around 0 42 g/cm 3, and the great majority of the plant cells were broken as compared with the conventional coarse powder Conclusion Both A. lancea and P chinense together with their combined preparation became smaller in particle size, more uniformly distributed with increased specific surface area and broken cell wall

Objective: To study the refinement of general flavone of sophora flavescens decoction by macroporous resins combined with ceramic microfiltration membranes (MR-CM), and compare it with macroporous resin combined with alcohol-sedimentation (MR-AS). Methods: UV-spectrophotometry method was applied to analyze the content of general flavone of sophora flavescens. Results: The porous ratio and effect of eliminating impurity of general flavone of sophora flavescens decoction by MR-CM method was higher than those by MR-AS method, but the MR-CM method is of simple operation and short period.Conclusion: MR-CM method is better than alcohol-sedimentation-macroporous resin method in refining of general flavone of sophora flavescens decoction.

Objective: To evaluate effect of refining of the aqneous extract solution of compound Chinese traditional medicine by microfiltration technique of inorganic ceramic membrane. Methods: The aqneous extract solution of Ephedra, Apricot kernel, Gypsum, and Licorice Decoction and Redujing Granules were processed by microfiltration technique of inorganic ceramic membrane. The changes in the characters, whole solids and effective componds before and after process were studied. Results: The aqueous extract solution of compound Chinese traditional medicine all were turbid before microfiltering and became clear after microfiltrating. The whole solid of Ephedra, Apricot kernel, Gypsum, and Licorice Decoction were decreased by 16.12%, and the lost rates of ephedrine and amygdalin were 20.11% and 18.06% respectively. The whole solid of Redujing Granules were decreased by 27.58%, and the lost rates of chlorogenic acid and rhein were 18.28% and 22.86% respectively. Conclusion: The microfiltration technology of inorganic ceramic membrane has the better effects of clarification and removing impurity on the aqueous extract solution of compound Chinese traditional medicine.

Objective: To evaluate effect of refining of decoctions of medicinal materials of radix and rhizome by microfiltration of inorganic ceramic membrane. Methods: The decoctions of 7 medicinal materials of radix and rhizome were processed by inorganic ceramic membrane, and the whole solids and effective ingredients were determined. Results: The decoctions of Chinese traditional medicine became clear after microfiltration. The whole solids were decreased by 15～38%, and the lost rate of effective ingredients was lower than that of whole solids. Conclusion: The microfiltrating technology of inorganic ceramic membrane can make decoctions of Chinese Traditional Medicine clear.

Object To study the adsorption function of macroporous resin AB 8 for the purification of total flavones in Sophora flavescens Ait and the effects of concentration, pH, flow rate of the adsorbate and eluant Methods UV spectrophotometry was used to analyze the content of total flavone in S flavescens Results The appropriate adsorption conditions were: concentration of Sophora extract, 0 285 mg/mL ; pH=4; flow rate 3 BV/h, when 50% alcohol was used as eluant, the effect of desorption was satisfactory Conclusion AB 8 resin can be used to refine the total flavone in S flavescens

Object To investigate the effects of ultra-fine powder technique and granularity of pellets on dissolution rate in vitro. Methods The dissolution rate of ultra-fine ERMIAO PILL with different granule diameters in vitro was measured and compared with the index of berberine by UV spectro-photometry. Results The dissolution parameters T 50 and T d of four kinds of ultra-fine ERMIAO PILL are 61.60, 19.48, 17.84, 8.97 min and 102.3, 33.29, 26.98, 14.77 min, respectively. Those of general powder ERMIAO PILL with granule diameter of 2.4 mm are 89.61 and 155.68 min. Conclusion The dissolution rate of ultra-fine powder is quicker than that of general powder, and the rate increases with the granularity of PILL decreasing.