Frequently Asked Questions

Why is acid-insoluble ash considered a more specific adulteration indicator than total...

Why is acid-insoluble ash considered a more specific adulteration indicator than total ash? Total ash reflects all inorganic material, including naturally occurring plant mineral content, whereas acid-insoluble ash isolates specifically the sand- and silica-based residue that survives acid digestion, providing a more targeted signal of soil or mineral adulteration rather than the plant's own natural mineral composition.

Must every stability time point be tested for every quality parameter described in this phase? In practice, a risk-based approach is applied: marker compound content and HPTLC fingerprint are tested at every time point as the primary stability indicators, while less stability-sensitive parameters such as microbial limits may be tested at a reduced frequency once early time points confirm no adverse trend, subject to regulatory agreement.