It goes without saying that herbal medicines should not contain poisonous, dangerous or otherwise harmful foreign matter or residue.
At Herbs in a Bottle we work hard to ensure the raw herbs we use are entirely free from contamination by moulds, insects, and other animal contamination including animal excreta. The first check we do is visual, looking for abnormal odours, discolouration, slime or signs of deterioration. Soil, sand, stones and dust are also looked for.
During storage we take special care to avoid formation of moulds since they may produce aflatoxins.
As well as macroscopical examination (looking at the shape, size, colour, surface characteristics, texture, fracture and appearance) we also use microscopy (HPTLC) which provides most of the information we require on the identity, purity and often the quality of the raw herbs.
Additionally we will test for loss on drying (which determines water and volatile matter), and we will carry out ash tests (both total ash and acid-insoluble ash).
Tests are carried out to determine the volatile oils.
Tests are carried out to determine the swelling index (the volume in millilitres taken up by the swelling of one gram of herb under specified conditions).
We strongly encourage our customers to visit Essendine and see our sampling and testing regime - it will give you complete peace of mind that the medicines you are prescribing for your patients are safe and uncontaminated.
www.herbsinabottle.com
At Herbs in a Bottle we work hard to ensure the raw herbs we use are entirely free from contamination by moulds, insects, and other animal contamination including animal excreta. The first check we do is visual, looking for abnormal odours, discolouration, slime or signs of deterioration. Soil, sand, stones and dust are also looked for.
During storage we take special care to avoid formation of moulds since they may produce aflatoxins.
As well as macroscopical examination (looking at the shape, size, colour, surface characteristics, texture, fracture and appearance) we also use microscopy (HPTLC) which provides most of the information we require on the identity, purity and often the quality of the raw herbs.
Additionally we will test for loss on drying (which determines water and volatile matter), and we will carry out ash tests (both total ash and acid-insoluble ash).
Tests are carried out to determine the volatile oils.
Tests are carried out to determine the swelling index (the volume in millilitres taken up by the swelling of one gram of herb under specified conditions).
We strongly encourage our customers to visit Essendine and see our sampling and testing regime - it will give you complete peace of mind that the medicines you are prescribing for your patients are safe and uncontaminated.
www.herbsinabottle.com
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