Abstract: Objective To study the effects of different doses of ⁶⁰Co-γ ray radicidation on the composition and hygienic indexes of Buthus martensii Karsch powder, and to provide data for improvement of the sterilization process. Methods The Buthus martensii Karsch powder was irradiated with different doses of ⁶⁰Co-γ rays, and pharmacopoeia-required test items, such as moisture, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, aflatoxin, acid-soluble leaches, heavy metals and harmful elements, were determined before and after sterilization of the samples. Such hygienic indicators as microbial contents were determined, and the contents of Buthus martensii Karsch powder sterilized by 4, 6, 8 and 10 kGy of ⁶⁰Co-γ ray were analyzed. Results There was no significant difference in contents of moisture, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, aflatoxin, acid-soluble extract, heavy metals or harmful elements in the powder before and after irradiation with different doses of ⁶⁰Co-γ. Before and after radicidation, the difference in hygiene indexes between the test groups was significant. The dynamic irradiation with ⁶⁰Co-γ rays at the dose of 4 kGy or above could effectively kill microorganisms, and the sterilization effect of 6 kGy and above was good. There was no significant difference in the contents of five nucleoside components or seventeen amino acids before and after sterilization, as was determined by HPLC, and the quality was stable Conclusion ⁶⁰Co-γ ray irradiation can effectively kill microorganisms in Buthus martensii Karsch powder. The doses of 6 to 10 kGy are the most effective. There is no obvious difference in the pharmacopoeia-required test items before and after radicidation. The quality of the powder after irradiation is better.

Key words: ⁶⁰Co-γ rays, radicidation, Buthus martensii Karsch, quality