A fresh-cut processing technology of radix dracocephali and the obtained radix dracocephali decoction pieces

Abstract

The application discloses a fresh-cut processing technology for Radix Dracorhodae and the obtained Radix Dracorhodae decoction pieces, and belongs to the technical field of traditional Chinese medicinal material processing. The technology comprises the following steps: taking fresh Radix Dracorhodae block roots, washing and drying (65-75 DEG C) to 30%-40% water content, cutting into 4-6 mm pieces while fresh, and drying (70-80 DEG C) to constant weight. The obtained Radix Dracorhodae medicinal material has an extract content of 20% or more, and the contents of 3-hydroxy dracorhodin and rufescensidine are higher than the standards in the 2025 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Compared with a traditional processing technology, the application omits the "secondary soaking" link, reduces the loss of effective components, shortens the production cycle, reduces the cost, and the quality of the medicinal material is better than that of traditional cut products.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of traditional Chinese medicine processing technology, specifically involving a fresh-cutting process for the authentic medicinal herb Euphorbia pekinensis, and the Euphorbia pekinensis slices prepared by this process. Background Technology

[0002] Euphorbia rubra is a plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family. Knoxia valerianoides Thorel ex Pitard The dried tuberous root of *Euphorbia pekinensis* has the effects of draining water and eliminating phlegm, reducing swelling and dissipating nodules. It is a commonly used Chinese medicine in clinical practice, used for edema, abdominal distension, phlegm accumulation, cough and asthma, difficulty in urination and defecation, carbuncles and boils, scrofula and phlegm nodules. *Euphorbia pekinensis* is a raw material for many commercially available Chinese patent medicines, including Zijin Ding (powder), Zhouche Wan, Kongxian Wan, and Gutong Tiegao.

[0003] Currently, the traditional processing method for Euphorbia pekinensis in its producing areas involves harvesting the tuberous roots in autumn and winter, removing the fibrous roots, washing, and drying. For clinical application, the dried Euphorbia pekinensis needs to be further cleaned of impurities, washed, thoroughly moistened with water, sliced ​​into thick pieces, and then dried again to obtain the raw medicinal material. This traditional processing method has significant drawbacks: First, the repeated "drying-moistening-re-drying" process results in a long production cycle and low efficiency. Furthermore, the degree of moistening relies on experience and is difficult to control, easily leading to "water damage" and mold growth, or "insufficient moisture" making slicing difficult and affecting the uniformity of the medicinal material's quality. Second, the prolonged moistening process causes the dissolution and loss of water-soluble and some alcohol-soluble active ingredients, reducing the clinical efficacy of the medicinal material. Currently, there are no reports on fresh-slicing processing techniques for Euphorbia pekinensis in its producing areas. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the technical problems of long production cycle, serious loss of effective ingredients and unstable quality in the traditional processing technology of red euphorbia in the prior art, and to provide a fresh cutting process for red euphorbia to shorten the production cycle, retain the effective ingredients to the greatest extent and improve the quality of medicinal materials.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: First, this invention provides a fresh-cutting process for red euphorbia, comprising the following steps: (1) Take fresh red euphorbia tubers, wash them, and remove surface moisture; (2) Place the red euphorbia treated in step (1) in an oven and dry it at 65~75℃ until the moisture content is 30%~40%; (3) Cut the dried red euphorbia into thick slices while it is still fresh; (4) Dry the cut thick slices of red euphorbia at 70~80℃ to obtain red euphorbia medicinal material.

[0006] This invention strictly controls the temperature of fresh red euphorbia in the initial drying step (2) within the range of 65~75℃. Within this temperature range, free water can be removed gradually, allowing the overall moisture content of the medicinal material to decrease evenly, maintaining the integrity and appropriate elasticity of the internal structure, and providing a material state with suitable mechanical strength for subsequent fresh slicing. After system optimization, 70℃ is the optimal temperature, at which the content of effective components and the appearance color of the dried slices are optimal. When the drying temperature is below 60℃, the drying speed is too slow, and the medicinal material is in a humid and hot environment for a long time, which easily leads to the growth of microorganisms and enzymatic browning reaction, resulting in a darker color of the slices. Moreover, the effective components (such as 3-hydroxymorinogenone and ruzepine) slowly degrade due to long-term heat exposure, resulting in a decrease in retention rate. When the drying temperature is above 70℃, although the drying speed is faster, the surface moisture of the medicinal material evaporates quickly, easily forming a "dry outside and wet inside" hard shell phenomenon, making it difficult for the internal moisture to dissipate evenly, which is not conducive to the flexibility of the medicinal material and the flatness of the cut surface during subsequent slicing. At the same time, higher temperatures (such as above 90℃) may directly damage the heat-sensitive anthraquinone components in medicinal materials, resulting in the loss of effective ingredients.

[0007] This invention precisely controls the moisture content of *Euphorbia pekinensis* before slicing to within the range of 30% to 40%. When the moisture content exceeds 40%, the herb tissue is too soft, and the pressure applied by the blade during slicing causes excessive cell wall rupture and significant juice loss. This not only makes the slices prone to sticking and deformation but also directly causes the loss of water-carrying alcohol-soluble components and anthraquinone active substances, reducing the final quality of the slices. When the moisture content is below 30%, the herb tissue is too dry and hard, increasing resistance during slicing and easily causing fragmentation and chipping. The edges of the slices are uneven, the cross-section is unclear, and the appearance quality and commercial value decrease. It was found that a moisture content of 35% reaches the optimal balance point. At this moisture content, the herb exhibits an ideal state of "tough on the outside and soft on the inside"—the outer layer is slightly elastic and not easily broken, while the interior maintains sufficient flexibility, resulting in clean cuts, smooth cross-sections, and minimal juice loss during slicing. Content determination results confirmed that the medicinal slices obtained under the condition of 35% moisture content had the highest content of 3-hydroxymorinogenone and ruzepine, and also had the best appearance quality.

[0008] This invention controls the slice thickness of *Euphorbia pekinensis* to be within the range of 4-6 mm (preferably 5 mm). When the slice thickness is less than 4 mm (e.g., 3 mm), the fresh slices are too thin, resulting in excessively rapid and uneven evaporation of moisture during subsequent drying. This leads to severe shrinkage and curling of the slices, and loss of cross-sectional shape, affecting not only their appearance and marketability but also increasing the risk of breakage during subsequent storage and transportation. When the slice thickness is greater than 6 mm, the slices are too thick, requiring a longer drying time at 70°C to completely remove internal moisture, prolonging the drying cycle and reducing production efficiency. Furthermore, excessively thick slices have a relatively small contact area with the solvent during clinical preparation or formulation extraction, which may affect the dissolution rate of the active ingredients. 5 mm is the optimal slice thickness, achieving the best balance between drying efficiency, finished product appearance regularity, and active ingredient retention rate.

[0009] Preferably, in step (3), the cutting is performed at room temperature using a slicer.

[0010] This invention sets the final drying temperature of the sliced ​​medicinal materials at 70-80℃ (preferably 70℃). After the initial drying, some bound water remains inside the medicinal materials. After slicing, medium-temperature drying at 70-80℃ can quickly remove the bound water to a safe moisture content (usually below 10%), effectively inhibiting microbial growth and related enzyme activity. This temperature avoids the inefficiency and potential microbial risks caused by long-term low-temperature drying (such as below 60℃), and also avoids the potential damage to the preserved active ingredients caused by excessively high temperatures (such as above 90℃). The segmented temperature strategy adopted in this invention, namely "low-temperature slow drying in the early stage → medium-temperature slicing → medium-temperature rapid drying in the later stage," forms a gentle and effective "dehydration-shaping-drying" process path, fundamentally ensuring the overall quality of the Euphorbia pekinensis slices.

[0011] The three parameters mentioned above—drying temperature, moisture content, and slice thickness—work synergistically within their selected ranges to achieve the following overall technical effects: To the greatest extent possible, the active ingredients are preserved: the loss of water-soluble components caused by "secondary soaking" is avoided, while enzymatic degradation is inhibited through gentle heat treatment conditions.

[0012] Improve the appearance quality of medicinal slices: The slices should be flat, with clear cross-sections and good color.

[0013] The process is efficient and reproducible: the parameter range is well-defined, making it easy to industrialize and control quality; the quality indicators of the resulting products are significantly better than those of traditional processed products.

[0014] The present invention also provides a sliced ​​red euphorbia prepared by the above-mentioned fresh-cutting process, wherein the content of alcohol-soluble extract of the red euphorbia slices is not less than 20% based on the dried product. The red euphorbia slices contain not less than 0.047% 3-hydroxymorinogenone and not less than 0.057% ruzepine.

[0015] Finally, the present invention also provides the application of the aforementioned Euphorbia pekinensis slices in the preparation of medicines for treating edema, abdominal distension, ascites, phlegm accumulation, carbuncles and boils.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: Significantly shortens the production cycle: It eliminates the repeated processing steps of "drying-soaking-re-drying" in the traditional process, simplifies the process, and greatly improves production efficiency.

[0017] To the greatest extent possible, the active ingredients are preserved: Fresh cutting avoids the dissolution and loss of active ingredients (especially anthraquinone components such as 3-hydroxymorinogenone and ruzepine) caused by "secondary soaking" in traditional processes. The alcohol-soluble extract, 3-hydroxymorinogenone and ruzepine content of the resulting red euphorbia slices are significantly higher than those of traditionally processed products.

[0018] Improving the quality of medicinal materials: By controlling the temperature and moisture content of the first drying, the medicinal materials are cut in the optimal softened state, resulting in flat slices with clear cross-sections, uniform quality, and strong controllability. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 A photo of fresh Euphorbia pekinensis.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a photograph of the Euphorbia pekinensis slices obtained in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 The graph shows the results of determining the content of effective components in fresh Euphorbia pekinensis at different drying temperatures.

[0022] Figure 4 Three-dimensional colorimetric images of fresh Euphorbia pekinensis powder at different drying temperatures.

[0023] Figure 5 The total color value (E) of fresh Euphorbia pekinensis at different drying temperatures. (ab) Measurement results diagram.

[0024] Figure 6 The graph shows the results of determining the content of effective components in fresh Euphorbia pekinensis under different moisture contents.

[0025] Figure 7 The figure shows the results of determining the content of effective components in fresh Euphorbia pekinensis under different slice sizes.

[0026] Figure 8 A comparison chart of the PCA composite scores (D values) of traditionally processed Euphorbia pekinensis slices and freshly sliced ​​slices of this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but this does not limit the present invention in any way. Any modifications or improvements made based on the teachings of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0028] The processes, conditions, reagents, and experimental methods used in implementing this invention, except as specifically mentioned below, are all common knowledge and general knowledge in the field, and this invention does not have any particular limitations. Experimental methods in the embodiments that do not specify specific conditions are generally performed under conventional conditions or as recommended by the manufacturer.

[0029] Unless otherwise stated, all technical terms and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. However, in the event of any conflict, the specification containing the definitions shall prevail.

[0030] Materials and general methods used in the examples are described below: In the following experiments, fresh red euphorbia ( Knoxia valerianoides Thorel ex Pitard The medicinal materials were collected from Chuxiong City, Yunnan Province. Among them, the medicinal materials used in Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1 were three-year-old Euphorbia pekinensis roots and rhizomes, and the medicinal materials used in Examples 4 to 6 were two-year-old Euphorbia pekinensis roots and rhizomes.

[0031] Main instruments and equipment: Adjustable manual slicer (model: DQ-100, Wenling Linda Machinery Co., Ltd.); High performance liquid chromatograph (model: Waters e2695); Electronic eye (Alpha MOS).

[0032] Content determination method: (1) Determination of alcohol-soluble extract content According to the General Rules of Part IV of the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the alcohol-soluble extract content (ethanol content) should be determined by cold maceration under the Determination of Alcohol-Soluble Extract (General Rule 2201), using 95% ethanol as the solvent, and should not be less than 7.0%. Take approximately 4g of Euphorbia pekinensis powder, accurately weigh it, place it in a 250-300ml stoppered conical flask, accurately add 100ml of 95% ethanol, shake well, seal tightly, and cold macerate. Shake frequently for the first 6 hours, then let it stand for 18 hours. Filter quickly through a drying filter, accurately measure 20ml of the filtrate, place it in an evaporating dish that has been dried to constant weight, evaporate to dryness on a water bath, dry at 105℃ for 3 hours, cool in a desiccator for 30 minutes, and quickly and accurately weigh. Unless otherwise specified, calculate the alcohol-soluble extract content (%) in the test sample based on the dried product. The formula for extract content % is as follows: Extract content % = (Extract weight) / (Extract weight) 100 / sample quantity 20) 100%.

[0033] (2) Determination of the content of ruxidin and 3-hydroxymorinogenone Chromatographic conditions: The column was a Pheny-Ether (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm); the mobile phase for ruzepine was methanol-1% glacial acetic acid (60:40); the mobile phase for 3-hydroxymorinogenone was methanol-1% glacial acetic acid (75:25); the flow rate was 1.0 mL / min; the detection wavelengths for ruzepine and 3-hydroxymorinogenone were 280 nm and 276 nm, respectively; the column temperature was 30 ℃; and the injection volume was 10 µl. Under these chromatographic conditions, the retention times for ruzepine and 3-hydroxymorinogenone were 28 and 26 minutes, respectively, indicating good separation.

[0034] Preparation of reference and test solutions: Preparation of reference solutions: Accurately weigh 0.1 mg of ruzepine into a 2 ml brown volumetric flask, dissolve it in DMSO and dilute to the mark, shake well to prepare a reference solution with a concentration of 50 ug / ml; accurately weigh 0.06 mg of 3-hydroxymorinogenone reference standard, place it in a 2 ml brown volumetric flask, dissolve it in methanol and dilute to the mark, shake well to prepare reference solutions with concentrations of 30 ug / ml.

[0035] Preparation of the test solution: Accurately weigh about 1g of Euphorbia pekinensis sample powder (passed through a No. 4 sieve) at various temperatures, place it in a stoppered conical flask, accurately add 20ml of methanol, weigh it, sonicate for 1 hour, cool it, weigh it again, replenish the lost weight with methanol, shake well, filter it, take the filtrate, and filter it through a 0.45μm microporous membrane to obtain the test solution.

[0036] Methods for evaluating powder color using electronic eyes: Based on the electronic eye manufactured by Alpha MOS, after the instrument stabilized upon startup, a 24-color calibration board was placed inside the instrument for calibration. The lens exposure and focal length were adjusted to a suitable setting, using a 5nm aperture, a D65 light source, and both top and bottom illumination, in single snapshot mode. Images were taken by evenly placing the pulverized Euphorbia pekinensis sample (after passing through a No. 3 sieve) in a petri dish, and after three parallel acquisitions, the average value was recorded. The color number and proportion of each sample were recorded. The values ​​are expressed as lightness values ​​(L). ), red-green value (a ) and yellow-blue value (b Three indicators are used to represent each color number, and the total color value (E) is calculated. ab). Where L The range from 0 to 100 corresponds to colors from black to white; a Positive to negative correspond to colors ranging from red to green; b Positive to negative values ​​correspond to colors ranging from yellow to blue. The calculation formula is E. ab = [(L] )2+(a )2+(b )2]1 / 2,E The larger the ab value, the lighter the color. In addition, the total color difference value (ΔE) can be used. (ab) represents the color difference between two color numbers, but it cannot represent the color bias. The calculation formula is ΔE. ab=[(ΔL )2+(Δa )2+(Δb) )2]1 / 2.

[0037] Principal Component Analysis (PCA) Comprehensive Evaluation Method: The scores of each principal component (alcohol-soluble extract content, ruzepine, and 3-hydroxymorinogenone content) are weighted and summed to obtain a comprehensive score for each sample. A higher score indicates a better comprehensive evaluation. The basic steps are as follows: 1. Standardize the raw data to eliminate the influence of units. There are m indicator variables for principal component analysis: x1, x2, ..., xn m There are n evaluation objects, and the value of the j-th indicator for the i-th evaluation object is x. Convert each indicator value x into a standardized indicator. (i=1,2...,n;j=1,2...m) in Right now j， s j Let be the sample mean and sample standard deviation of the j-th indicator, corresponding to , are called standardized indicator variables.

[0038] 2. Establish the correlation coefficient matrix R between the variables. Correlation coefficient matrix R=(r) mm

[0039] In the formula r ii =1,r ij =r jr ,r ij It is the correlation coefficient between the i-th indicator and the j-th indicator.

[0040] 3. Calculate the eigenvalues ​​and eigenvectors of the correlation coefficient matrix R. Calculate the eigenvalues ​​λ ≥ λ2 ≥ … λm ≥ 0 of the correlation coefficient matrix R, and the corresponding eigenvectors u1, u2, …, u mWhere uj,=(u1,u2, …,u nj T, consisting of m new index variables composed of eigenvectors.

[0041] In the formula, y1 is the first principal component, y2 is the second principal component, ..., y m It is the m-th principal component 4. Write out the principal components and calculate the overall score. ① Calculate the eigenvalue λ j Information contribution rate and cumulative contribution rate of (j=1,2,...,m).

[0042] Main component y j Information contribution rate; Principal components y1, y2, ... y p The cumulative contribution rate when a p When the value is close to 1, select the first p index variables y1, y2, ..., y3. p As p principal components, they replace the original m index variables, thus enabling comprehensive analysis of the p principal components.

[0043] ② Calculate the overall score Where b j Information contribution rate of the j-th principal component Example 1: Fresh-cutting process of red euphorbia A fresh-cutting process for red euphorbia includes the following steps: (1) Take fresh red euphorbia tubers, wash them with clean water, and let them dry. (2) Place the treated Euphorbia pekinensis in an oven and dry it at 70°C until the moisture content of the medicinal material is 35% (the drying time is controlled by the dehydration curve). (3) Remove the dried red euphorbia and, while still fresh, use an adjustable manual slicer to cut it into slices with a thickness of 5 mm (see [link]). Figure 1 ); (4) Place the cut thick slices of red euphorbia in an oven and dry them at 70°C until constant weight to obtain red euphorbia slices (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0044] Results: The alcohol-soluble extract content of the red euphorbia slices (calculated on a dried basis) obtained in this embodiment was 21.12%, the 3-hydroxymorinogenone content was 0.0519%, and the ruxidin content was 0.0630%. The slices had a smooth appearance, clear cross-section, and good color.

[0045] Example 2: Fresh-cutting process of red euphorbia A fresh-cutting process for red euphorbia includes the following steps: (1) Take fresh red euphorbia tubers, wash them with clean water, and let them dry. (2) Place the treated Euphorbia pekinensis in an oven and dry it at 75°C until the moisture content of the medicinal material is 30% (the drying time is controlled by the dehydration curve). (3) Take out the dried red euphorbia and cut it into 4mm thick slices while it is still fresh at room temperature (about 25°C) using an adjustable manual slicer. (4) Place the cut red euphorbia thick slices in an oven and dry them at 70°C until constant weight to obtain red euphorbia slices.

[0046] Results: The alcohol-soluble extract content of the red euphorbia slices (calculated on a dried basis) obtained in this embodiment was 20.78%, the 3-hydroxymorinogenone content was 0.0493%, and the ruxidin content was 0.0571%. The slices had a smooth appearance, clear cross-section, and good color.

[0047] Example 3: Fresh-cutting process of red euphorbia A fresh-cutting process for red euphorbia includes the following steps: (1) Take fresh red euphorbia tubers, wash them with clean water, and let them dry. (2) Place the treated Euphorbia pekinensis in an oven and dry it at 65°C until the moisture content of the medicinal material is 40% (the drying time is controlled by the dehydration curve). (3) Take out the dried red euphorbia and cut it into 6mm thick slices while it is still fresh at room temperature (about 25°C) using an adjustable manual slicer. (4) Place the cut red euphorbia thick slices in an oven and dry them at 70°C until constant weight to obtain red euphorbia slices.

[0048] Results: The alcohol-soluble extract content of the red euphorbia slices (calculated on a dried basis) obtained in this embodiment was 20.39%, the 3-hydroxymorinogenone content was 0.0470%, and the ruxidin content was 0.613%. The slices had a smooth appearance, clear cross-section, and good color.

[0049] Example 4: Comparative Study of Different Drying Temperatures The method of Example 1 was followed for fresh slicing, the difference being that in step (2), different drying temperatures (45℃, 50℃, 55℃, 65℃, 70℃, 75℃, 80℃, 85℃, 90℃, 95℃, 100℃) were set, and after drying to a moisture content of 35%, the slices were taken out and dried at 70℃.

[0050] Principal component analysis (PCA) was used for comprehensive evaluation by determining the contents of 3-hydroxymorinogenone and ruzepine, the content of alcohol-soluble extracts, and combining this with the evaluation of powder color using an electronic eye. Results are shown below. Figure 3-5 The results showed that the red euphorbia medicinal material dried at 70℃ had the highest overall score, the highest content of effective ingredients, and the best powder color. Although drying conditions of 50-60℃ were feasible, the overall score was lower than that of 70℃. Specific data are shown in Table 1.

[0051] Table 1. Results of measurements at different drying temperatures

[0052] Example 5: Comparative Study of Different Moisture Contents The method of Example 1 was followed for fresh cutting, except that in step (2), the red euphorbia was taken out at different time points so that its moisture content before cutting was 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, and 55%, respectively.

[0053] Principal component analysis (PCA) was used for comprehensive evaluation by determining the contents of 3-hydroxymorinogenone and ruzepine, the content of alcohol-soluble extracts, and combining this with the evaluation of powder color using an electronic eye. Results are shown below. Figure 6 The results showed that the highest content of effective ingredients was obtained when the moisture content was 35%. When the moisture content was too high (e.g., above 45%), the juice was lost severely during cutting, and the finished product was prone to sticking and deformation; when the moisture content was too low (e.g., below 30%), the medicinal material was too dry and hard, making it difficult to cut and prone to fragmentation. Specific data are shown in Table 2.

[0054] Table 2 Results of measurements at different moisture contents

[0055] Example 6: Comparative Study of Different Slice Thicknesses The method of Example 1 was followed for fresh slicing, except that in step (3), the red euphorbia dried at 70°C to a moisture content of 35% was freshly sliced ​​into thick slices of 3mm, 4mm, 5mm and 6mm, and then dried at 70°C.

[0056] Principal component analysis (PCA) was used for comprehensive evaluation by determining the contents of 3-hydroxymorinogenone and ruzepine, the content of alcohol-soluble extracts, and combining this with the evaluation of powder color using an electronic eye. Results are shown below. Figure 7 The results showed that fresh slices with a thickness of 3 mm were too thin, resulting in severe surface wrinkling and unclear cross-sections after drying, and were therefore not suitable for subsequent content determination. Content determination and appearance evaluation were conducted on slices with thicknesses of 4 mm, 5 mm, and 6 mm. The results indicated that slices with a thickness of 5 mm had the highest content of active ingredients and the most regular shape. Specific data are shown in Table 3 below. Table 3. Test results for different specifications

[0057] Comparison of Example 7 with traditional processing techniques Following the traditional processing method for Euphorbia pekinensis (drying-soaking and softening-slicing-re-drying) as described in the 2025 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, traditional Euphorbia pekinensis slices were prepared as a control group. Simultaneously, slices of the present invention were prepared using the optimized fresh-cutting process from Example 1 (drying temperature 70℃, moisture content 35%, slice thickness 5mm) as the experimental group. Each group was operated in triplicate, and the contents of alcohol-soluble extract, 3-hydroxymorinogenone, and ruzepine were determined, followed by PCA comprehensive analysis (calculation of D value).

[0058] Results: The results are shown in Table 4 and... Figure 8 As shown, the PCA composite score (D value) of the processed medicinal slices obtained by the fresh-cutting process is significantly higher than that of the traditionally processed medicinal slices. This indicates that, compared with the traditional processing method, the fresh-cutting process provided by this invention can effectively reduce the loss of effective components in Euphorbia pekinensis during the "secondary soaking" process, and retain the active ingredients to the maximum extent. The process is significantly superior to the traditional processing method.

[0059] Table 4. Content results of traditionally processed medicinal slices and the freshly sliced ​​medicinal slices of this invention.

[0060] Based on the results of the above embodiments, the following conclusions can be drawn: This invention establishes a fresh-cutting process for *Euphorbia pekinensis* by scientifically and systematically screening three core process parameters: drying temperature, moisture content before cutting, and slice thickness. This process eliminates the traditional "secondary soaking" step and has advantages such as simple operation, short cycle, low cost, and controllable quality. More importantly, the key quality indicators of the obtained *Euphorbia pekinensis* slices, such as alcohol-soluble extract, 3-hydroxymorinogenone, and ruzepine, are significantly better than those of traditionally processed products, maximizing the retention of effective components and ensuring safe and effective clinical use.

[0061] Comparative Example 1 The difference from Example 1 is that the drying process was not carried out in two steps; the fresh medicinal materials were directly sliced ​​and then dried in one step, as detailed below: (1) Take fresh red euphorbia tubers, wash them with clean water, and let them dry. (3) Use an adjustable manual slicer to slice the fresh red euphorbia tuber obtained in step (1) into slices with a thickness of 5 mm while it is still fresh; (4) Place the cut red euphorbia thick slices in an oven and dry them at 70°C until constant weight to obtain red euphorbia slices.

[0062] Testing revealed that the alcohol-soluble extract content of the red euphorbia slices (based on dried product) obtained by this method was 21.66%, the 3-hydroxymorinogenone content was 0.037%, and the ruxidin content was 0.043%. The herbs were sliced ​​while fresh. Compared to Example 1, the effective component content was lower, indicating that the present invention, by first drying to a certain moisture content, then slicing, and finally drying again, maximizes the retention of the effective components of the herbs and minimizes loss.

[0063] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fresh-cutting process for red euphorbia, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (1) Take fresh red euphorbia tubers, wash them, and remove surface moisture; (2) Place the red euphorbia treated in step (1) in an oven and dry it at 65~75℃ until the moisture content is 30%~40%; (3) Cut the dried red euphorbia into thick slices while it is still fresh; (4) Dry the cut thick slices of red euphorbia at 70~80℃ to obtain red euphorbia medicinal material.

2. The fresh-cutting process according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (2), the drying temperature is 70°C and the moisture content is 35%.

3. The fresh-cutting process according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (3), the thickness of the thick sheet is 4~6 mm.

4. The fresh-cutting process according to claim 3, characterized in that, The thickness of the sheet is 5 mm.

5. The fresh-cutting process according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (3), the cutting is performed at room temperature using a slicer.

6. The fresh-cutting process according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (4), the drying temperature is 70°C.

7. A slice of red euphorbia prepared by the fresh-cutting process described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. The Euphorbia pekinensis slices according to claim 7, characterized in that, The content of alcohol-soluble extracts shall not be less than 20% when calculated on a dried basis.

9. The Euphorbia pekinensis slices according to claim 7, characterized in that, Its 3-hydroxymorinogenone content is not less than 0.047%, and its ruzepine content is not less than 0.057%.

10. The use of the Euphorbia pekinensis slices according to claims 7-9 in the preparation of a medicine for treating edema, abdominal distension, ascites, phlegm accumulation, carbuncles and boils.

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