玄明粉

English text reference: Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 Edition)

Overview

Dried Sodium Sulfate is obtained by wind-weathering and drying of Mirabilite. It mainly contains Sodium Sulfate (Na2SO4).

Description

It is a white powder, odorless, and has a salty taste. It has hygroscopicity.

Identification

The aqueous solution of this product shows the identification reaction of sodium salt <0301> and sulfate <0301>.

Examination

Iron salts and zinc salts, magnesium salts, chlorides

Test according to the method under potassium nitrate, but use half the amount specified. The results should meet the requirements.

Heavy metals

Take 1.0g of the sample, dissolve it in 2ml of dilute acetic acid and a suitable amount of water to make 25ml, and test it according to the law <0821, method 1>. The content of heavy metals should not exceed 20mg/kg.

Arsenic salts

Take 0.10g of the sample, dissolve it in 23ml of water, add 5ml of hydrochloric acid, and test it according to the law <0822>. The content of arsenic should not exceed 20mg/kg.

Acidity and alkalinity

Take 0.5g of the sample, dissolve it in 20ml of water. Take 10ml, add 2 drops of methyl red indicator, which should not turn red; take another 10ml, add 5 drops of bromothymol blue indicator, which should not turn blue.

Assay

Take the sample, dry it at 105°C to a constant weight, take about 0.3g, accurately weigh it, and determine the content according to the method under potassium nitrate.

Calculated on the dried product, the content of sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) should not be less than 99.0%.

Property

Cold.

Flavor

Salty and bitter.

Meridian tropism

Stomach and large intestine meridian.

Actions

To promote bowel movement and relieve constipation, moisturize dryness and soften hardness, clear heat and reduce swelling.

Indications

Used for accumulation of excessive heat, dry and hard stool, abdominal distension and pain; externally used for sore throat, oral ulcers, swollen gums, red eyes, abscesses, and erysipelas.

Dosage

3-9g. For external use, use an appropriate amount.

Administration

Dissolve in the decoction and take orally.

Precautions

Caution for pregnant women; avoid using it with sulfur and Tribulus terrestris.

Storage

Seal and store in a moisture-proof place.

玄明粉

Text reference: Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Edition)

Overview

Exsiccated Sodium Sulfate is obtained from Glauber's salt by efflorescencing, containing mainly sodium sulfate (Na2SO4).

Description

White powder; odour, slight; taste, salty; hygroscopic.

Identification

The aqueous solution yields the characteristic reactions of sodium salts and sulfates <0301>.

Examination

Iron and Zinc, Magnesium

Carry out the tests described under Natrii Sulfas, using a half quantity, comply with the requirements.

Heavy metals

Dissolve 1.0 g of the powder in 2 ml of dilute acetic acid TS, add a quantity of water to 25 ml. Carry out the limit test for heavy metals <0821, method 1>, not more than 20 mg/kg.

Arsenic

Dissolve 0.10 g of the powder in 23 ml of water, and add 5 ml of hydrochloric acid. Carry out the limit test for arsenic <0822>, not more than 20 mg/kg.

Assay

Weigh accurately about 0.3 g of the powder, previously dried at 105℃ to constant weight, carry out the assay described under Natrii Sulfas.

It contains not less than 99.0 per cent of sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), calculated with reference to the dried drug.

Property and Flavor

Cold; salty and bitter. Stomach and large intestine meridians.

Actions and Indications

To purge and relax the bowels, moisten dryness, soften hardness, clear fire and relieve swelling. Accumulation and stagnation of excess heat, dry stool bind, distention, pain and fullness in the abdomen. Topical application: Swelling and sore throat, mouth and tongue sores, swelling painful gum, red eyes, swelling abscess, and erysipelas.

Administration and dosage

3-9 g, dissolved in prepared decoction. Appropriate amount for topical application.

Precautions and Warnings

Used with caution during pregnancy. Incompatible with Sulphur, pregnancy sparganii.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, and protect from moisture.