NIS - libdoc.who.int - World Health Organization

WHO monographs on medicinal plants commonly used in the Newly Independent States (NIS)
Foreign organic matter
Maximum 2% of brownish or yellowish leaves and maximum 2% other
foreign matter (1, 28). Not more than 3% of foreign organic matter. Not
more than 46% of stems. Not more than 7% of blackish, brownish and
yellowish parts of plant. For cut drug: not more than 17% of fragments
having a diameter of more than 7 mm; not more than 16% of fragments
having a diameter of less than 0.5 mm (2).
Total ash
Not more than 12% (1, 2, 28).
Acid-insoluble ash
Ash insoluble in hydrochloric acid not more than 2% (28). Ash insoluble
in 10% hydrochloric acid not more than 6% (2).
Sulfated ash
No information available.
Water-soluble extractive
Not less than 15% (28).
Alcohol-soluble extractive
Extractive soluble in 70% ethanol not less than 15% (2).
Loss on drying
Not more than 12% (1). Not more than 13% (2).
Pesticide residues
The recommended maximum sum limit of aldrin and dieldrin is not more
than 0.05 mg/kg (1). For other pesticides, see the European pharmacopoeia
(1) and the WHO guidelines on quality control methods for medicinal
plant materials (30) and pesticide residues (31).
Heavy metals
For maximum limits and analysis of heavy metals, consult the WHO
guidelines on quality control methods for medicinal plant materials (30).
Radioactive residues
Where applicable, consult the WHO guidelines on quality control methods
for medicinal plant materials (30) for the analysis of radioactive
isotopes.
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