[Study on white light diffuse reflection spectrum of Chinese herbal medicine]

The white light diffuse reflection spectra of 57 kinds of Chinese herbal medicines were measured. Each of these spectra has some characteristics feature individually different from others. The spectra of those Chinese herbal medicines, whose medicinal sections are above ground (growing under sunlight), have a larger absorption peak in the region 650-690 nm than those under ground and inside herbal medicine body (growing isn't under sunlight, for example, the seeds). It was demonstrated that the white light diffuse reflection spectrum may be used to examine or distinguish Chinese herbal medicines as additional method and to control cultivation or growth of some Chinese herbal medicines.