[Preliminary study on suitability of ozone sterilization in traditional Chinese medicine and its preparation]

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Microbial contamination poses a significant threat to the quality and efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its preparations.
• Production processes, including air, equipment, and personnel, can introduce microbial pollutants, compromising final product integrity.
• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards mandate careful consideration of sterilization methods to preserve TCM quality and require microbiological examinations for certain products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze ozone sterilization technology for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
• To explore the principles, advantages, current applications, and challenges of ozone sterilization in TCM.
• To provide a theoretical basis for standardizing and optimizing ozone sterilization in TCM production, management, and quality control.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of ozone sterilization principles.
• Examination of ozone's application status in TCM production.
• Summary of management regulations and implementation rules for ozone sterilization.

Main Results:

• Ozone is identified as a safe, environmentally friendly, and residue-free sterilization technology.
• Ozone sterilization demonstrates broad applicability in medical, healthcare, and production settings.
• The study outlines the advantages and current status of ozone sterilization for TCM.

Conclusions:

• Ozone sterilization is a scientifically sound and effective method for ensuring the quality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
• Standardized management and implementation of ozone sterilization are crucial for TCM production, quality control, and overall corporate efficiency.
• This research provides valuable theoretical insights for the application of ozone sterilization in the TCM industry.