Validation of a HPLC Method for the Determination of 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamyl Alcohol in Extracts Obtained from Stachyurus Chinensis Franeh

Stachyuri medulla helwingiae medulla is a wild used genus in clinic, especially in promoting lactation. Most study confirmed it’s evidently rich in polysaccharide. In this study, a HPLC method for the quantification of Coniferyl alcohol (4-Hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamyl alcohol) was validated. The results showed that the HPLC method was linear (0.01-0.16mg/ml) with good accuracy, precision and robustness. The content of Coniferyl alcohol in different formula granule ranged from 0.091-0.163mg/g. Thus, the method might be used for the standardization of the extracts based on the Coniferyl alcohol marker.

Use of Ethanol-Based Hand Disinfectants: Source of Increased Ethyl Glucuronide Levels in Hair?

Aim Due to the COVID-19 pandemic increasing the use of hand disinfectants, we investigated the effect of frequent use of ethanol-based hand disinfectants (EBHD) on the levels of the alcohol marker ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in hair. Method Hair samples were collected from 10 health professionals (8 nondrinkers, 2 rarely drinking individuals) and EtG was examined in hair. Result EtG (~2 pg/mg) was only detected in the hair sample of a nondrinker using EBHD 60–70 times per working day. Conclusion Our data provide no evidence that frequent EBHD use results in hair EtG levels above the recommended Society of Hair Testing cutoff for repeated alcohol consumption (5 pg/mg).

Hidden Alcohol Abuse Among Women

Seven years ago the authors examined 64 consecutive female out-patients with macrocytosis (erythrocyte mean cell volume ⩾ 100 fl). The cause remained undetermined in 23 (35.9%). Their patient histories were evaluated in 1992, and the new highly specific alcohol marker, serum carbohydrate-deficient transferrin, from the frozen sera taken during the initial study was examined. It was elevated in 6 of the 23 women. Furthermore, four of these six had visited the health centre after 1985 and they all had clinical records indicative of alcohol problems. Because early intervention has proved to be effective, information about the risks of alcohol abuse (intervention) should be given to women with suspect alcohol-induced symptoms or signs.