Preparation technology and physico-chemical characteristics of Olibanum ultramicro powders / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To optimize the technology and evaluate the influence of micronization on Olibanum physic-chemical characteristics and dissolution. Methods: The single factor test was employed to investigate the effect of the size and freezing time of common powder particle, the ratio of excipients, and grinding time on the yield of ultramicro powder; Additionally a comparative research between ultramicro powder and common powder was designed, including micromeritic properties (angle of repose, bulk density, tap density, and squeezing degree), effective components concentration [volatile oil, octyl acetate and 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA)], and cumulative dissolution rate. Results: The optimal technology of ultramicro powder was as follows: the medicinal material was ground into fine powder, followed by 4 h freezing at -20℃ and 15 min superfine grinding with excipient and fine powder in ratio of 1:5; As the degree of smashing enhanced, the angle of repose of powders increased, bulk density and tap density decreased, and compressibility had a tendency of increase as flowability declined; The concentration of octyl acetate had an increased tendency and then decreased. While the concentration of octyl acetate in ultrafine powder prepared by optimal technology was the highest, the cumulative dissolution rate of AKBA in the ultramicro powder was higher than that in common powder. Conclusion: The application of optimal superfine pulverizing technique to Olibanum is feasible, and appropriate degree of micronization is helpful for the extraction and dissolution of effective components in Olibanum.