Decoction processes

Wang Y, Shi L, Song F, Liu Z, Liu S (2003) Exploring the ester-exchange reaction of diester-diterpenoid alkaloids in the aconite decoction process by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 17 279-284... 

Detective story set in 1699, with an alchemical thread. The 17 chapters are headed with alchemical processes - Conjunction, Imbibation, Revivification, Resolution, Decoction, Disintegration, Digestion, Mortification, Lixiviation, Division, Elevation, Foliation, Fulmination, Ablation, Coagulation, Incineration, Projection. A note thanks Denns William Hauck for his help with the chemistry of alchymy... 

The chief is a group of herbs, a variation of the principal formula Si Jun Zi Tang (Four-Gentlemen Decoction). They are Ren Shen, Huang Qi, Bai Zhu and Zhi Gan Cao. These herbs can directly tonify the Spleen-Qi, strengthen the foundation of life and accelerate the process of generating Qi and blood. 

Decoction is a variation on the general infusion process in that the herb is steeped in boiling water to which heat is then supplied to keep it at boiling point, simmering gently rather than boiling vigorously. 

A compress is clean linen soaked in an infusion or decoction, whereas a poultice is a solid material (powdered or fresh dried herb, often fashioned into a paste), that is then typically placed over a wound in an effort to accelerate the healing process. In some cases, a covering of wax paper and warmth from a hot water bottle is thought to be beneficial. 

It is officially listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and used mainly as a tonic and for treatment of nephritis and diabetes. The herb has a sweet taste and the roots are sun-dried and then processed into a fine powder of encapsulation, tablets or capsules (2-3 per day). Textbooks of Chinese herbs recommend taking 9-15 g of the cmde herb per day in decoction form. A decoction is made by boiling the root in water for a few minutes and then brewing the tea. Sometimes 3-5 ml of tincture three times per day are often recommended. 

There are an abundance of colorful and multifunctional phy to chemicals or nutraceuticals such as carotenoids, xanthophylls, flavonoids, and anthocyanins in nature. These colorful phytochemicals are present in our daily intake of fruits and vegetables, and sometimes from shrimp and sea fish. Additionally, the colorful phytochemicals are also distributed in processed foods such as juices, jams, teas, wines, infusions and decoctions, extracts, and other... 

The widest use in tradition medicine comes from the baobab bark as a substitute for quinine in case of fever or as a prophylactic. A decoction of the bark deteriorates rapidly due to the mucilaginous substances present. This process can be prevented by adding alcohol or a small quantity of sulphuric acid to the decoction (Kings, 2002, cited in (77)). Baobab bark is used in Europe as a febrifuge (antipyretic). In the Gold Coast (Ghana), the bark is used instead of quinine for curing fever (8). In Indian medicine, baobab bark is used internally... 

Decoctions are used to extract those parts of vegetables which are most soluble in boiling water, and are not so volatile as to escape during the process. Decoctions should be made in covered vessels, with a uniform heat, and prepared a short time before they are wanted for use. 

The general method of preparation (e.g., pulverization, decoction, expression, aqueous extraction, or ethanolic extraction) is provided under 312. 23(a)(7)(iv)(a). This is especially important where more than one process exists in the literature onwhich the safety of the botanical drug substance is based. 

Decoction- a process of boiling a coarsely bmised dmg in water in tinned pots with... 

For vomiting due to stomach heat, subtract Ginseng, Licorice, and Red Dates and add Calyx Kaki Diospyros Shi Di). This results in Xin Zhi Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang (Newly Processed Orange Peel and Caulis Bambusae Decoction). 

Decoction A process of preparing a mixture (usually tea) by combining with cold water, covering and boiling, and later simmering and straining. 

The mode of effecting solution varies with the substance under process Maceration, decoction, infusion, digestion, boiling and displacement have each and all appropriate application. 

This mode of solution, which is so important to the pharmaceutist, is chiefly employed for the purpose of exhausting those vegetable substances the components of which will not readily yield to other means. It is merely an extension of the last process, and consists in that contact of the material to be dissolved with a hot solvent in a covered vessel, which is continued until all soluble matter is taken up. Most volatile matters are epelled by decoction, but those which arc insoluble, save by prolonged action of heat, are dissolved or suspended, as it were, by favor of other principles present. Decoction is only used with liquid solvents which are not decomposable by heat. 

The most simple extraction processes employed may be classified as follows extraction with organic solvents percolation, maceration, and extraction using a Soxhlet apparatus and extraction with water infusion, decoction, and steam distillation. 

The standard pharmaceutical approach to decoctions is 1 ounce (25 g) of herb per pint (475 ml) of water boiled for 15 minutes and strained when cool water is then added to bring the total volume back to 1 pint. I approach the process a little differently I take 1 ounce (25 g) of herb in 3 cups (750 ml) of water and boil slowly and steadily until the liquid is reduced to one half (If larger amounts of the decoction are desired, the amounts of water and herb may be increased.) The boiling should take place in a stainless steel or glass container, never aluminum. 

A review of case reports of poisoning from various species of aconite indicated that the risk of poisoning is higher with inadequately processed aconite root, improperly prepared extracts (i.e., patients not boiling root as long as directed when making decoctions), large doses, and alcohol-based extracts (Lin et al. 2004). 

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