[Determination of sulphur dioxide in commonly used Chinese herbal medicines with both food and medicine function for health care by ion-chromatographic method].
OBJECTIVE
To dertermine SO2 in Chinese herbal medicine with both food and medicinal functions.


METHODS
A distilling and ion-chromatorgraphic method was applied.


RESULTS
The results indicated that among 32 commonly used Chinese herbal medicines, 26 samples contained sulphur dioxide, varying in its contents and up to 3180 microg/g. The amount of sulphur dioxide did not change much after samples were washed by water. On the other hand, sulphur dioxide contents decreased after samples were exposed outdoor or boiled in water.


CONCLUSIONS
The method was simple, accurate and reproducible.
Chen
Zhen-tao
ZT
School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Zong
Yu-ying
YY
D002852:Chromatography, Ion Exchange / Q000379:methods; D029745:Codonopsis / Q000737:chemistry*; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D006358:Hot Temperature; D027762:Lilium / Q000737:chemistry; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000592:standards; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry*; D011786:Quality Control; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013458:Sulfur Dioxide / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013997:Time Factors
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D013458:Sulfur Dioxide