Drug Stability

To better control the quality of Radix Scutellariae (RS), a fast fingerprint method based on ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection (UFLC-DAD) was developed. In this study, the analysis time of ∼85 min when using conventional high-performance liquid chromatography was shortened to ∼40 min on UFLC. The UFLC method was validated in terms of stability [<5.80% relative standard deviation (RSD)], precision (<3.48% RSD) and reproducibility (<3.56% RSD).

CONTEXT: Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Labiatae) is one of the most commonly used medicinal herbs, especially in traditional Chinese medicine. However, compared to many pharmacological studies of this botanical, much less attention has been paid to the quality control of the herb's pretreatment prior to extract preparation, an issue that may affect therapeutic outcomes.

As a traditional Miao-nationality medicinal plant, Polygonum capitatum has been used in clinical practice for several thousand years. Its prescriptions, including three dosage forms: granules, capsule and tablet are known by the brand name Relinqing® and have played an indispensable role in the treatment of urinary system infection, pyelonephritis and kidney stones. However, no study about the comprehensive quality evaluation of Relinqing® has been reported.