Quality comparison of Hirudo before and after processed by French chalk / 中国中药杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effects of processing methods of Hirudo.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Both water and alcohol extracts of Hirudo were studied according to Chinese Pharmacopeia (Edition 2005). The content of hypoxanthine in Hirudo was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Hirudin was determined by thrombin.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The contents of water, water soluble extraction, ethanol soluble extraction and hirudin in crude Hirudo are higher than those in processed Hirudo. But the contents of hypoxanthine in processed Hirudo is higher than in crude Hirudo.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Hirudo fried by French chalk can decrease the active components with high intensive drug property, accordingly the toxicity of Hirudo was decreased. As a result, the effects of Hirudo as invigorate the circulation of blood and stimulate the menstrual flow were abated.</p>