[Superfine comminution of Glycyrrhiza uralensis roots by vibration mill].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the mechanism of superfine comminution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at low temperature. METHOD: Glycyrrhiza uralensis roots were at room superfinely comminuted temperature and at low temperature by cryogenic vibration mill. The superfine powders were observed and analyzed by laser particle size analyzer and SEM. RESULT: The powder processed at low temperature was of smaller effective diameter and narrower size distribution and was also with smoother surface and smaller angle of repose. CONCLUSION: The G. uralensis roots could be superfinely comminuted with high efficiency and simple procedure by vibration mill at low temperature.