Packaging and storage— Preserve in well-closed containers, protected from light and moisture, and store in a cool area.

Labeling— The label states the Latin binomial and, following the official name, the part of the plant source from which the article was derived.

USP Reference standards 11—
USP Capsaicin RS.
USP Ginger Constituent Mixture RS.
USP Powdered Ginger RS.

Botanic characteristics— Under a microscope, Powdered Ginger reveals mainly starch granules and parenchyma cells containing them; simple, large, flattened, ovoid or sack-shaped starch granules, 5 to 15 µm wide and 30 to 60 µm long having an eccentric hilum, some showing faint transverse striations; parenchyma cells containing yellow-brown to dark brown resinous substances; groups of large, thin-walled nonlignified septate fibers with wide lumen; portions of septate fibers with attached vessels; large vessels with annular, spiral, or reticulate thickening and often accompanied by parenchyma cells containing brown content; oleoresin in fragments or droplets, staining with iodine TS and potassium iodide TS; and, rarely, fragments of brown cork tissue, usually seen in surface view. Sclerenchymatous cells, trichomes, and calcium oxalate absent.

Heavy metals 231: 0.002%.

Other requirements— It responds to the Identification tests and meets the requirements for Total ash, Acid-insoluble ash, Water-soluble ash, Water, Alcohol-soluble extractives, Water-soluble extractives, Volatile oil content, Pesticide residues, Microbial enumeration, Starch content, Limit of shogaols, and Content of gingerols and gingerdiones under Ginger.

Topic/Question	Contact	Expert Committee
Monograph	Maged H. Sharaf, Ph.D. Senior Scientist 1-301-816-8318	(DSB05) Dietary Supplements - Botanicals
Reference Standards	Lili Wang, Technical Services Scientist 1-301-816-8129 RSTech@usp.org

USP32–NF27 Page 1016