RH Herbal Preparations & Dosage Forms 3

Question 1

When filling capsules with dried herb powder, the most important practical consideration is:

Accepted Answer

The density and fill weight of the powder relative to the capsule's volume capacity

Answer

Different herbs have different bulk densities; practitioners must match the herb's fill weight per capsule to the capsule size to ensure each capsule delivers a full therapeutic dose.

Question 2

The Dried Herb Equivalent (DHE) value on a concentrated extract label is used to:

Accepted Answer

Compare the potency of a concentrated extract to a standard amount of dried herb

Answer

DHE allows practitioners to directly compare concentrated extract doses to the familiar reference of whole dried herb, supporting accurate dose equivalence across different product forms.

Question 3

Which extraction method is most appropriate for preserving the mucilaginous polysaccharides in marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis)?

Accepted Answer

Cold water infusion or overnight maceration in cold water

Answer

Cold water preserves marshmallow's mucilaginous polysaccharides because heat can degrade these large molecules and high alcohol concentrations cause them to precipitate out of solution.

Question 4

What is the primary role of glycerin when added to a water-based herbal preparation?

Accepted Answer

To act as a humectant and mild preservative while improving palatability

Answer

Glycerin is hygroscopic and acts as a humectant and mild preservative in water-based preparations, while its natural sweetness also improves the taste and patient compliance.

Question 5

Amber glass is the preferred storage container for herbal tinctures and liquid extracts because it:

Accepted Answer

Filters ultraviolet light to protect photosensitive phytochemicals from degradation

Answer

The amber tint of the glass filters UV radiation, protecting light-sensitive compounds such as flavonoids and anthocyanins from photodegradation, extending product shelf life and potency.

(RH) Registered Herbalist Practice Test

(RH) Registered Herbalist Practice Test

RH Herbal Preparations & Dosage Forms 3