[Study on preparation extraction process of Linggui Zhugan Decoction].

Area of Science:

• Pharmacognosy
• Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulation

Background:

• Linggui Zhugan Decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine formula.
• Standardizing extracts is crucial for consistent therapeutic effects and quality control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare different preparation processes for Linggui Zhugan Decoction extracts.
• To identify suitable methods for creating a solid substance benchmark for quality control.

Main Methods:

• Four distinct preparation processes were employed, including traditional, volatile oil separation, modern secondary reflux, and sequential extraction.
• Comparative analysis utilized characteristic spectrum, key index components (cinnamaldehyde, glycyrrhizin, ammonium glycyrrhizinate, cinnamic acid), and dry extract rate.

Main Results:

• Processes 2 and 4 demonstrated high spectral similarity (>0.97) and no significant differences in quality control components or dry extract rate compared to the traditional process (Process 1).
• Process 3 (modern secondary reflux) showed lower spectral similarity (0.91) and significant increases in certain components and dry extract rate, indicating a deviation from the traditional method.

Conclusions:

• Preparation processes 2 and 4 are suitable for producing Linggui Zhugan Decoction extracts that align with the material standards of the traditional method.
• These validated processes can be used for establishing reliable solid substance benchmarks for quality assurance.