부산대학교 도서관

Ionizing radiation can be used to prevent microbial spoilage of herb and extend its shelf life. To elucidate the physicochemical change of herb caused by irradiation, electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy and viscosity measurement were performed after irradiation of two typical medicinal herbs, Rehmannia glutinosa and Havenia dulcis Thumb. With increasing irradiation dose up to 10 kGy, viscosity values of all the samples decreased proportionally. ESR spectral signal intensity increased with increasing irradiation dose. These results clearly imply that ESR analysis and viscosity measurement can be used for a simple and reliable detection of irradiated herbs.