ABSTRACT
Objective:To analyze the current situation of sulfur dioxide residues in Chinese herb pieces through determining the residues in Chinese herb pieces purchased by our hospital to provide the information for the quality control of Chinese herb pieces in our hospital and ensure the clinical medication safety. Methods:The methods for the detection of sulfur dioxide residues described in Chi-nese Pharmacopoeia 2010 edition and the relative literatures were adopted. Totally 100 batches of Chinese herb pieces were selected randomly from the storage waiting products, including 10 categories of 36 batches with the limitation of 400 mg·kg-1 and the other categories of 64 batches with the limitation of 150 mg·kg-1 . Results: The sulfur dioxide residues in 14 batches were out of limits, and among them, 7 batches were over 400 mg·kg-1 and the other 7 ones were over 150 mg·kg-1 . The unqualified rate was 19. 4%and 10. 9% for the samples with the limitation of 400 mg·kg-1 and 150 mg·kg-1 , respectively. Conclusion:The detection method is simple, reproducible and rapid in determining sulfur dioxide residues in Chinese herb pieces. The exceeding standard situation of sulfur dioxide residues in Chinese herb pieces is serious, and the management on Chinese herb medicines with sulphur fumigation should be strengthened by manufacturers. Hospitals should implement the determination of sulfur dioxide residues before storage to en-sure drug safety.