Processing of crude drug materials
Introduction of crude drug raw material processing
In May 2017, we obtained a license for pharmaceutical manufacturing (chopped processing), and we accept contract processing of herbal medicine raw materials at our Nara Plant. We have received high evaluations from our customers, saying that “the consignment cost is lower than the market price,” “the quality is good,” and "the delivery time is fast. It is rare for a food company to process crude drug ingredients, and we have received high evaluation from our customers in terms of plant management and hygiene.
In addition to chopping, we also sterilize crude drug materials by roasting process.
In addition to chopping, we also sterilize crude drug materials by roasting process.
About chopping and grinding process
These herbal medicines are used in pharmaceuticals and foods, and many of the raw materials are derived from plants. Many of the raw materials come from China and are produced in various raw material producing regions. Raw crude drugs are cut into appropriate sizes, dried, and marketed in dried form. Because crude drugs are used as extracts or powders in various industries, “chopping” and “powder processing” are required as pre-processing.
The machine in the image on the right is used for chopping and pulverizing.
The machine in the image on the right is used for chopping and pulverizing.
| Reason for chopping① | To ensure uniformity in size and chopping to the size appropriate for the purpose, as the appropriate size differs depending on the purpose of the post-processing. |
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| Reason for chopping② | To increase the surface area of the raw material and improve extraction efficiency in the extracting process |
About the fine milling process
Airflow milling is used to process the material in a relatively heat-resistant manner. Machines can be disassembled and cleaned for hygienic processing.
Hard materials are pre-processed by crushers, etc., before being powdered by fine pulverizers.
Since we cannot perform sterilization after powdering, we can lower the bacteria count by roasting the raw materials before pulverizing.
Hard materials are pre-processed by crushers, etc., before being powdered by fine pulverizers.
Since we cannot perform sterilization after powdering, we can lower the bacteria count by roasting the raw materials before pulverizing.
About roasting processing
Crude drugs are used in pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, foods, and cosmetics, and in many cases, microbial standards are established. Therefore, a sterilization process is required.
The mainstream sterilization method for crude drug materials is “steam sterilization,” but the high processing cost is a bottleneck.
We propose a sterilization method using roasting, which is cheaper than steam sterilization. We have several types of roasting machines, and since the compatibility with materials and sterilization effects vary, we will confirm the effects through trial tests.
The mainstream sterilization method for crude drug materials is “steam sterilization,” but the high processing cost is a bottleneck.
We propose a sterilization method using roasting, which is cheaper than steam sterilization. We have several types of roasting machines, and since the compatibility with materials and sterilization effects vary, we will confirm the effects through trial tests.
Advantages of processing in our company
| ①Cost reduction | Sterilization costs can be reduced to 50% or less compared to before. Sufficient sterilization effect by roasting process was confirmed. |
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| ②Cleanliness of the factory | Compared to other primary processing plants for herbal medicine raw materials, our customers appreciate the cleanliness of our plant, which is very clean and well managed. |
| ③Youth of employees | Our employees are mainly in their 20s to 40s, and we are able to build long-term relationships with them. |