ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE： To investigate the status and control suggestions of radicidation of tranditional Chinese medicine. METHODS： This paper focuses on the status, detection and regulation involved with radicidation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and provides suggestions on control of irradiated TCM. RESULTS： Irradiation sterilization method has many applications in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. Radicidation can kill microorganisms effectively and may affect the active ingredients in TCM meanwhile. Testing standards and regulatory regulations for traditional Chinese medicine irradiation are established and improved gradually. CONCLUSION： Irradiation is an efficient, low-cost and good applicability sterilization method which can improve the hygienic quality of medicines. Therefore, rational utilization of irradiation is conducive to guarantee both quality and safety of TCM, and will have a broader application prospect in the production of TCM.
ABSTRACT
Radiation processing of food involves controlled application of energy from ionizing radiations from radioisotopes (Cobalt-60 and Caesium-137), electron beam (≤10 MeV) or X-rays (≤5 MeV) in an irradiation chamber shielded by 1.5 - 1.8 m thick concrete walls. Food, either pre-packed or in-bulk, placed in suitable containers is sent into the chamber through an automatic conveyor. Major benefits achieved by radiation processing of food are inhibition of sprouting of tubers and bulbs, delay in ripening and senescence of fruits and vegetables, disinfestations of insect pests in agricultural commodities, destruction of microbes responsible for food spoilage, and elimination of food pathogens and parasites of public health importance. Irradiation produces very little chemical changes in food, and the changes are similar to those by other preservation methods like heat. The radiolytic products and free radicals produced are identical to those present in foods subjected to treatments such as cooking and canning. None of the changes known to occur have been found to be harmful. Radiation processing of food has been approved by various international statutory bodies and organizations to ensure ‘Food Security & Safety’, and overcome ‘Technical barrier to International Trade’ and currently is being practiced in more than 60 countries worldwide.