Abstract:
OBJECTIVE To optimize the preparation process of Sanhua decoction granules by referencing the critical quality attributes of the benchmark sample, evaluate the quality consistency between the preparation and the benchmark sample, and determine a reasonable clinical dosage.
METHODS An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC) method was established to determine the content of indicator components in Sanhua decoction granules. An orthogonal experiment was conducted to optimize the extraction process of Sanhua decoction granules, using the content of indicator components, dry extract yield, and similarity of fingerprint profiles as evaluation criteria to preliminarily compare the quality consistency between the benchmark sample and the optimal process. Physical fingerprint profiles were used to screen excipients, with the ratios of drug-excipient ratio, excipient-sugar ratio, and ethanol concentration as evaluation indicators. The AHP-CRITIC method combined with Box-Behnken optimization was used to design the granulation process for Sanhua decoction granules. The granules were prepared according to the determined process, and the transfer law of volatile components during the granule preparation process was investigated to determine the amount of volatile oil to be added.
RESULTS Optimization of Sanhua decoction granule extraction process: Soak for 0.5 h and extracted twice. For the first extraction, added 12 times of water and extracted for 2 h; for the second extraction, added 10 times of water and extracted for 1 h. The optimized granulation process for Sanhua decoction granules involved a drug-excipient ratio of 1∶1.25, an excipient-sugar ratio of 2∶1.1, with 75% ethanol as a wetting agent. The herbal powder, excipients, and 0.3 g of the complex were mixed and sieved, granulated using a 14-mesh screen, dried at 60 °C, and then formed into granules, resulting in Sanhua decoction granules.
CONCLUSION The preparation process is stable and feasible, providing a reliable basis for the development of the classic formula Sanhua decoction.