[Quality comparison of Hirudo before and after processed by French chalk].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of processing methods of Hirudo.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Zhang
Yong-Tai
YT
College of Chinese Herb, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China. analysisdrug@126.com
D000818:Animals; D001775:Blood Circulation / Q000187:drug effects; D000431:Ethanol / Q000737:chemistry; D006629:Hirudins / Q000032:analysis; D047709:Hirudo medicinalis / Q000737:chemistry*; D019271:Hypoxanthine / Q000032:analysis; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000187:drug effects; D012995:Solubility; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
D006629:Hirudins; D014867:Water; D019271:Hypoxanthine; D000431:Ethanol