USE OF CHINESE VEGETABLE TARROW AS SUPPOSITORY BASE

Chinese vegetable tarrow obtained from several provinces in China, was used as suppository base, and its melting-point, softening-point and release of medicament were examined. The melting-point of different samples varied from 38°to 42℃, softening-point from 31.5°to 34℃. It is pourable at 37℃. The colorimetric test for percentage of release of dye from the tarrow is less than that from cacao butter, but more than that from some hydrogenated vegetable oil. It is therefore fit to be used as suppository base. It is confirmed that the melting-point and softening-point of tarrow after once being melted on water bath show no remarkable decrease. The incorporation of fat-soluble substances lowers its melting-point and softening-point to some extent, but still keeps above 30℃ when it is mixed with an amount of active ingredient suitable for medicinal use. Incorporation with fat-insoluble substances influences little if any its melting-point and softening-point.