A study of storage conditions for pre-mashed fried Semen Zizyphi Spinosae using a multi-factor orthogonal design

Background: To facilitate the preparation of traditional Chinese medicines they are pre-mashed, i.e., mashed in advance. However, storage conditions for pre-mashed traditional Chinese medicines are based on subjective judgments of pharmacists, and the best storage conditions have not generally been determined. Semen Zizyphi Spinosae is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, and it is usually used after it is fried. The medicine needs to be mashed in a timely manner to ensure its effectiveness. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia provides a limit for its aflatoxin content. Methods: The orthogonal experimental design method optimizes the best plan for pre-mashed fried Semen Zizyphi Spinosae. Experimental conditions were defined using the L-9 (3(4)) orthogonal design table. Four factors and three levels were used to study storage conditions. The four factors and three levels are as follows: storage temperature (10 degrees C, 20 degrees C, and 30 degrees C), storage humidity (45%, 60%, and 75%), storage times (10, 20 and 30 days), and particle sizes for the powder (coarsest, coarse and medium powders). The contents of jujuboside A, spinosin, aflatoxin B1, total aflatoxins (aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2), moisture, total ash, acid value, and saponification values were measured. Results: The results demonstrated that the highest jujuboside A and spinosin contents were obtained using a storage temperature of 20 degrees C, a storage humidity of 75%, a storage time of 10 days, and with a coarse powder particle size. Aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxins (aflatoxins B1, B2, C1 and G2) were not detected under these conditions. Conclusion: There is no requirement for traditional Chinese medicines to be pre-mashed. This study evaluated various storage conditions for pre-mashed fried Semen Zizyphi Spinosae, and considered the influence of four factors on the contents of jujuboside A, spinolin and aflatoxin for quality control to provide a reference for other pre-mashed traditional Chinese medicines.