NIS - libdoc.who.int - World Health Organization

WHO monographs on medicinal plants commonly used in the Newly Independent States (NIS)
Foreign organic matter
Not more than 2% (1) or not more than 3% (2, 32). Not more than 5%
of brownish and blackish leaves. Not more than 13% of other parts of
plant (flowers and fragments of stems). For cut drug, not more than 10%
of fragments of drug having a diameter less than 0.5 mm (2). Leaves of
Salvia triloba absent (34).
Total ash
Not more than 10% (1). Not more than 8% (29). Not more than 12% (2).
Acid-insoluble ash
Not more than 2% (29).
Sulfated ash
Not more than 12% (34).
Water-soluble extractive
Not less than 16% (29).
Alcohol-soluble extractive
No information available.
Loss on drying
Not more than 14% (2). Not more than 10% (1).
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 (33) and pesticide residues (35).
Heavy metals
For maximum limits and analysis of heavy metals, consult the WHO
guidelines on quality control methods for medicinal plant materials (33).
Radioactive residues
Where applicable, consult the WHO guidelines on quality control methods
for medicinal plant materials (33) for the analysis of radioactive isotopes.
Other purity tests
Chemical, acid-insoluble ash, water-soluble extractive and alcohol-soluble
extractive tests to be established in accordance with national require-
346