[Effect of micronization on the quality of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge]

The powder characteristic, water extraction amount and active ingredients cryptotanshinone (CTS), tanshinone II A (TS) and protocaechuic aldehyde (PA) were comparatively studies between crude powder and micronized powder to study the application of micronization technology to Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge powedr was characterized by laser diffraction analyzer and scanning electron microscopy. The angle of repose and bulk density was measured. The water extraction was quantified by heated extraction method. The active ingredinents CTS, TS and PA were detected by RP-HPLC after it released from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.

The differences of particle characteristic and surface modality between crude powder and superfine were significant. Water extraction amount of micronized powder was 1.23 times as that of crude powder. The CTS, TS and PA extraction amount of micronized powder were 1.54, 1.48 and 1.90 times as those of crude powder.

The extraction content of lipo-solubility and water-solubility active ingredients of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. are improved by micronization. Micronization can economize the resource of Salviae miltiorrhiza Bge. The bioavability of Salviae miltiorrhiza Bge. will be improved with the new techonology.