• British Pharmacopoeia Volume IV
  • Appendices

Appendix XI D. Foreign Matter
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(Ph. Eur. method 2.8.2)

Herbal drugs should be free from moulds, insects and other animal contamination.

Foreign matter is material consisting of any or all of the following:

1)  Foreign organs: matter coming from the source plant but not defined as the drug,

2)  Foreign elements: matter not coming from the source plant and either of vegetable or mineral origin.

Determination of Foreign Matter

Weigh 100 g to 500 g of the substance to be examined, or the minimum quantity prescribed in the monograph, and spread it out in a thin layer. Examine for foreign matter by inspection with the unaided eye or by use of a lens (6 ×). Separate foreign matter and weigh it and calculate the percentage present.