Analysis of the particle size of traditional Chinese medicine ointment in the hospital
10.12206/j.issn.2097-2024.202309019
- VernacularTitle:医院中药软膏的粒度情况研究
- Author:
Yujiong PAN
1
;
Zhigao HE
1
;
Xin ZHOU
1
;
Qianyuan HUANG
2
Author Information
1. Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China.
2. Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China.
- Publication Type:Medicine&Clinical
- Keywords:
jet mill;
traditional Chinese medicine ointment;
particle size
- From:
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service
2025;43(10):519-524
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To investigate the particle size of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） ointments in various hospitals. Methods The powders of 7 varieties of externally-applied TCM ointments from Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine （our hospital） were subjected to comminution processes. Each variety was separately processed by a universal grinder, a hammer mill, and a jet mill, yielding a total of 21 samples. The particle sizes of these 21 samples from our hospital, along with 6 samples obtained from 6 other hospitals, were measured by employing a Bettersize2 laser particle size analyzer and microscopic examination. Results The volume-based average particle size of 21 samples from our hospital ranged from 3.34 to 52.53 μm, while that of 6 samples from other hospitals ranged from 38.59 to 118.50 μm. Notably, the particle size of samples processed by jet milling could be reduced by 12% to 86% compared with those processed by universal mechanical crushing. Microscopic observation revealed that particles larger than 180 μm were detected in 17 samples from our hospital and all 6 samples from other hospitals. Conclusion Compared with universal grinder sample and hammer grinder, jet mill could reduce the average particle size of powder. However, the increasement in pulverization time and loss of pulverization were substantial. Furthermore, in accordance with the particle size requirements for ointments specified in the current Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 Edition), particle size testing of TCM ointments remains challenging. Therefore, further data accumulation should be imperative to establish particle size standards for TCM ointments.
