[Applications of chitosan and its derivatives in pharmaceutical industry of Chinese medicine].

Recently, chitosan has been widely used as a clarifier in clarification procedure for many kinds of TCM, which is better than alcohol in retaining active substances, such as polysaccharids, as well as the removal of heavy metals. Because it is a biocompatible polymer with low toxicity and can be biodegradable in vivo, chitosan with its derivatives is one of the ideal materials for drug controlled release systems to enhance the efficacy and reliability of TCM drug therapy. On the other hand, chitosan, the only natural alkalic polysaccharid, also has several therapeutic effects such as anti-bacteria, antipyrotic and ulcer healing. Chitosan and its derivatives wide application prosperity in pharmaceutical industry of Chinese medicine.