Quality Control for the Traditional Chinese Remedy Red Flower Oil by FTIR Spectroscopy

 Introduction

This application note presents a rapid and effective FT-IR spectroscopy method for quality control of Red Flower Oil, a traditional Chinese remedy used for muscle and joint pain. The study utilized a PerkinElmer Spectrum 100 FT-IR spectrometer with an ATR accessory to analyze the key components—methyl salicylate, eugenol, and α-pinene—in various commercial samples. The method allowed for quick identification of these compounds, revealing significant quality variations among different manufacturers. The qualitative inspection of FTIR spectra provided immediate insights into the presence and concentration of key components, ensuring product authenticity and quality.