Supplementary drugs, pharmaceutical

Although the majority of current pharmacopoeial methods describe the use of specific optical rotation ([a]) for the determination of stereoisomer identity and/or content, separation techniques such as HPLC and CE are now the most frequently applied technologies during drug development and for new pharmaceutical products entering the market. Indeed, Supplementary Chapter K in Volume IV of the 2004 British Pharmacopoeia (BP) deals with this specific issue [22]. It states that in future when a monograph describes an enantiomer it will include both a test for identity ([a]) and a test to control stereoisomeric purity... 

Two preparations of Cordyceps, called Jinshuibao and Jinshukang are produced by Jiangxi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. The Jinshuibao capsule Cordyceps have equal effects as the Cordyceps sinensis drug. It is used for the treatment of chronic bronchitis, sexual dysfunction, hyperlipemia, menstrual disorder, pains in the loins and abdomen, leucorrhea, senile weakness, cardiovascular diseases, liver cirrhosis, and in supplementary tumor treatment. In 56 cases with cancer, Jinshuikang capsule significantly improved the immune functions and raised the quality of life of the patients [35]. As shown in Table 8, the immune and humoral cell functions are markedly increased after treatment [36]. 

In the USA, products with anti-microbial claims are sold as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. This may include cosmetics, with supplementary uses as infection inhibitors, or with healing and palliative (soothing) properties. In contrast to US pharmaceutical products, OTC products may not contain active agents listed in the US Pharmacopoeia, National Formulary or Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. 

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