NIS - libdoc.who.int - World Health Organization

WHO monographs on medicinal plants commonly used in the Newly Independent States (NIS)
Water-soluble extractive
Not less than 10% (28, 29).
Alcohol-soluble extractive
Not less than 15% (1).
Loss on drying
Not more than 13% (1).
Pesticide residues
The recommended maximum sum limit of aldrin and dieldrin is not more
than 0.05 mg/kg (31). For other pesticides, see the European pharmacopoeia
(31) and the WHO guidelines on quality control methods for medicinal
plant materials (30) and pesticide residues (32).
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.
Other purity tests
Content of mineral matter, not more than 0.5% (1). Foreign matter, not
more than 2% (29). Chemical and sulfated ash tests are to be established
in accordance with national requirements.
Chemical assays
The high-performance liquid chromatography method for the determination
of maysin (33).
Major chemical constituents
The major constituents of the dried styles and stigmas are flavonoids especially
6-C-glycosylflavones; the major one is maysin. Among the flavonoids,
a glycoside of luteolin, with small amounts of the corresponding
6-C-glycosyl analogues of apigenin and chrysoeriol; maysin-3´-methyl
ether; rutin; anthocyanidins and flavan-4-ols (luteoforol, apiforol) are
present. The flavone C-glycosides (chrysoeriol 6-C-β-fucopyranoside
and chrysoeriol 6-C-β-boivinopyranosyl-7-O-β-glucopyranoside) have
426