Core Insights - Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group is enhancing the sustainable development of traditional Chinese medicine by establishing standardized planting bases for medicinal herbs in Shanxi Province, particularly focusing on the cultivation of North Bupleurum [1][2] Group 1: Promotion of Scientific Planting - The optimal harvesting period for North Bupleurum is from late September to early October, during which the roots are nutrient-rich and contain high active ingredient levels [2] - Previously, local farmers lacked scientific planting methods, leading to inconsistent quality and low profitability [2] - Yangtze River has partnered with Shanxi Yubing Pharmaceutical to create a high-standard planting base, implementing a "company + cooperative + farmer" model, ensuring unified seed selection, scientific crop rotation, and management [2] Group 2: Quality Control Enhancement - Quality inspection is crucial for ensuring the quality of medicinal herbs, with Yangtze River establishing strict quality standards covering the entire process from planting to product delivery [3] - Regular sampling and monitoring of active ingredient content and pesticide residues are conducted to ensure compliance with quality standards [3] - A transparent traceability mechanism has been established using new information technologies, supporting meticulous management throughout the supply chain [3] Group 3: Economic Benefits and Community Impact - Yangtze River's technology-sharing model has transformed medicinal herb cultivation into a significant industry benefiting local communities [4] - The yield of sour jujube seeds has increased from 60 kg to 100 kg per mu, with harvesting efficiency improving by 2-3 times [4] - The company has established over 5 standardized planting bases in Jinzhong, creating employment for around 2,000 local residents and contributing to rural revitalization [4]

Core Viewpoint - The National Pharmacopoeia Commission has published 11 draft standards for the processing of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoction pieces, addressing quality issues that have arisen this year due to frequent non-compliance in drug inspections [1][2]. Group 1: Draft Standards for TCM Decoction Pieces - The 11 draft standards cover various TCM decoction pieces including Banbianlian, Zisuye, Beishashen, Guanghuoxiang, Yimucao, Gaoliangjiang, Shudihuang, Shichangpu, Jingjie, Qicaotan, and Qicaoshan, specifying guidelines for processing, characteristics, and storage [2]. - For example, the processing standard for Banbianlian includes removing impurities, washing, cutting, drying, and sieving, while its characteristics and storage requirements are also detailed [2]. Group 2: Quality Inspection Reports - Multiple regions have reported non-compliance in TCM decoction pieces during drug quality inspections, with notable failures in Shanxi Province where 6 batches of decoction pieces were found non-compliant, involving well-known companies [3]. - In Jiangxi Province, 18 products were reported as non-compliant, including 11 batches of TCM materials and decoction pieces, with issues related to characteristics, identification, and microbial limits [4]. Group 3: Regulatory Actions and Expert Insights - Regulatory bodies are intensifying scrutiny on TCM decoction pieces, as evidenced by significant fines imposed on companies for producing substandard products, such as Anhui Baicui Jinfang Pharmaceutical Co., which faced penalties totaling 3.11 million yuan [4]. - Experts attribute the prevalence of substandard TCM decoction pieces to various factors, including the complexity of sourcing raw materials, lack of professional knowledge among suppliers, and the challenges of standardizing production practices [5][6].