Qualitative and Quantitative Studies on Marine Shell TCM Concha Arcae Based on Multi-Analysis Methods
Abstract
Concha Arcae is a widely used marine shell traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is commonly called ‘Walengzi’ in China. Concha Arcae is often used to treat stomachache. Its main and active composition is calcium carbonate (CaCO3) which content is more than 90%. The quality control standard in China is not sufficient and limited, and the quality co ntrol studies become difficult, due to the high CaCO3 content. Here, we have developed some studies on Concha Arcae to reveal the natures of it, in order to create a foundation to support the quality control study and development of Concha Arcae. Powder microscopic identification was performed using powder slide-making method. HPLC characteristic spectrum was developed with an Agilent 1260 Series HPLC-DAD system. The IR, Raman and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra were detected. The heavy metals were determined and CaCO3 content were measured by EDTA titration. These techniques are the first comprehensive applications to study the natures of Concha Arcae, and these are helpful to develop the quality standard of Concha Arcae.