ABSTRACT
Objective Near-infrared (NIR) reflectance spectroscopy was used to develop a fast quality assessment method by simultaneous material identification and moisture quantification of Radix Ginseng Rubra (RGR). Methods The sample was identified by the comparison of its spectrum with a standard NIR spectral library. Similarity measurement was used as the discriminating parameter. The moisture content of sample was quantified by a partial least square (PLS) calibration model, correlative spectrum calculation was used for wavelength selection and multiplicative signal correction (MSC) was applied for pretreatment in the calibration model. Primary reference data were obtained using the traditional loss on drying (LOD) method. Results The NIR library can distinguish RGR from the counterfeit successfully. The optimized eight-factor PLS calibration model of NIR spectra has a high correlation coefficient (R=(0.999 7).) Conclusion The proposed method is rapid, accurate and can be used routinely in the traditional Chinese materia medica manufacturers for quality control of raw materials.