OBJECTIVE: To establish the method for rapid identification of the quality of Cortex moutan radicis and similar aromatic Chinese herbs by headspace gas chromatography (HSGC). METHODS: The constituents of headspace gas from Chinese herbs, such as Cortex moutan radicis,Radix cynanchi paniculati and root-bark of Paeonia lactiflora. were analyzed by HSGC. RESULTS: The characteristic finger-print headspace chromatograms of these three drugs were different from one another. Cortex moutan radicis stored for 4 years under common conditions contained only traces of paeonol. CONCLUSION: HSGC was simple, quick and accurate in identifying and controlling the quality of aromatic Chinese herbs.

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.