Preparation Technology and Quality Standard of DangguiRunchang Paste

In this article, the preparation process and quality standards of DangguiRunchang paste (DRP) were studied, and its stability was also investigated to provide theoretical reference for storage conditions and shelf life. Orthogonal test L₉ (3⁴) was used to optimize the extraction process. The main components of DRP were qualitatively identified and quantitatively analyzed by Thin-layer Chromatography (TLC) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. The single factor test and the classical constant temperature accelerated test were used to investigate the stability and predict the shelf life. The optimal extraction conditions were:raw herbal materials were soaked with 10 times the amount of water (w/v) for 1.25 h, refluxed for 2 h, filtered while the extract was hot. The solid residue was extracted with 8 times the amount of water (w/v) again for 1.5 h. According to the above-mentioned method, 3 batches of samples were prepared in parallel and the yield and extractive content of the extracts were 64.24%±0.99% and 21.43%±0.68%, respectively. The polysaccharide and ferulic acid contents were (7.78±0.03) and (4.05±0.24) mg/mL, respectively. The filtrates were combined and concentrated to the relative density of 1.207±0.008 (70℃). The equal amount of refined honey (w/w) was added, mixed well to obtain the final preparation. The marker components of Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Zingibeais Rhizoma, Aurantii Frucrus and Jujubae Fructus were identified using TLC analyses. The content of ferulic acid in the DRP was (102.7±4.4) μg/g. After 10 days of exposure to strong light (20℃, 4500 xl) and high temperature storage (protection from light, 60℃), the content of ferulic acid significantly reduced. The DRP without stabilizers had a shelf life about 3 mouths. After added 0.4% NaHSO₃ and 0.1% EDTA-2Na as stabilizers, its shelf life was extended to about 1.68 years, which was 8 times longer than that of the sample without stabilizers. The preparation technology of DRP was simple and feasible. The quality was relatively stable and controllable.