Application of thin-layer stick chromatographic identification test methods to drugs contained in preparations in the pharmacopoeia of Japan.

A simple, precise technique was developed for identifying the drugs in preparations containing crude drugs listed in the Pharmacopoeia of Japan using thin-layer stick chromatography (TLSC), which is an advanced version of thin layer chromatography in a cylindrical form. The target component in preparations and crude drugs could be detected easily by dipping the developed chromatographic stick in specific colour reagents or by exposure to ultraviolet rays. This technique was applied to the identification of drugs such as salicylic acid, phenol, acrinol and alkaloids and also vitamins contained in the 36 kinds of preparation.