Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of residual SO2 and sulfite-ligustilide used for the safety control of herbal dispensing granules that contained sulfur-fumigated Angelicae Sinensis Radix. Method:Residual SO2 was determined by the method documented in the 2015 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia

while sulfite-ligustilide was analyzed semi-quantitatively by HPLC-MS/MS.The mimic Angelicae Sinensis Radix dispensing granules were self-made

and the content transfer rules of residual SO2 and sulfite-ligustilide in sulfur-fumigated Angelicae Sinensis Radix during preparation procedures of dispensing granules

including extraction

concentration and drying

were systematically investigated. Result:Residual SO2 and sulfite-ligustilide could all be detectable in the samples of extract

concentrate and dry extract

their final transfer ratios in dry extract were 8.13% and 60.75%

respectively.In addition

the stability of sulfite-ligustilide in the preparation procedures of the dispensing granules and the specificity

sensitivity of the detection method were all better than residual SO2. Conclusion:As the well-recognized harmfulness of SO2 and potential toxicity of sulfite-ligustilide

it is suggested that sulfite-ligustilide combined with residual SO2 could be used as indicators for the safety control of sulfur-fumigated Angelicae Sinensis Radix dispensing granules.