ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the degradation effect of gamma-rays radiation sterilization on the effective constituents in Simiao Junyi ointment and study the changes of fingerprint chromatography before and after the sterilization to provide basis for the feasibility of gamma-rays radiation sterilization for Simiao Junyi ointment. Methods:The contents of tetrahydropalmatine and PNS ( Panax Notogin-seng saponins) in Simiao Junyi ointment were determined by HPLC, and the fingerprint chromatography was established. The content changes of tetrahydropalmatine and PNS in Simiao Junyi ointment before and after the gamma-rays radiation sterilization were compared among the same batch and various batches, and the relative retention time and relative peak area in the fingerprint chromatography were also compared. Results:The content of tetrahydropalmatine had no change basically before and after the gamma-rays radiation steriliza-tion(P >0. 05), and there was no change in the total content of PNS (P >0. 05). Comparing the HPLC fingerprint chromatography at 280 nm, the relative retention time had statistically significant change after the gamma-rays radiation sterilization ((P 0. 05). The number of characteristic peaks reduced by one, namely the C8 characteristic peak disappeared in the pasteurized chromatography, and the areas of C6, C9 and C14 peak decreased significantly, while that of C12 increased. Conclusion:Gamma-rays radiation sterilization have no notable effect on the content of tet-rahydropalmatine and PNS in Simiao Junyi ointment, it can be used for the sterilization of Simiao Junyi ointment.