ISO 23193:2020

Overview - ISO 23193:2020 (Traditional Chinese medicine - Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense fruit)

ISO 23193:2020 defines minimum requirements and validated test methods for dried fruits of Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense (commonly known as goji berry or Lycii Fructus) when sold or used as herbal raw materials in international trade. The standard covers unprocessed and traditionally processed materials and aims to harmonize quality control, safety and labelling across national and regional standards.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard addresses both descriptive and analytical quality attributes:

• Morphological and organoleptic features - shape, colour, odour and taste; typical dimensions (fruit length 6–20 mm; diameter 3–10 mm) and seed characteristics (20–50 seeds per fruit; seed sizes noted for each species).
• Microscopic characteristics and powder description - cell types, cuticle, aleurone granules and testa stone cells to support botanical identification.
• Physicochemical tests - moisture, total ash and acid‑insoluble ash, and water‑soluble extractives.
• Chemical quality markers - determination of polysaccharide content and specified marker compounds (see Annexes for methods).
• Identity testing - thin‑layer chromatography (TLC) identification and species differentiation (Annex F).
• Safety testing - heavy metals, pesticide residues and sulfur dioxide residues.
• Sampling and sampling unit definitions - batch definition (samples from same place/time, ≤1 000 kg) and final sample requirements.
• Analytical methods and reporting - detailed test methods, test report content, packaging, storage, marking and labelling (see Clause 9 and ISO 21371 for labelling requirements).
• Informative annexes - procedures for extractives, TLC, polysaccharide and betaine determinations, reference values and species differentiation.

Normative references include related ISO methods (e.g., ISO 1575, ISO 1577, ISO 18664, ISO 22258, ISO 22590) and WHO quality control guidance.

Practical applications

ISO 23193:2020 is used to:

• Establish uniform quality control criteria for goji berry raw materials in international trade.
• Support laboratory testing protocols for identity, purity and safety (moisture, ash, heavy metals, pesticides).
• Harmonize specifications across pharmacopeias, national standards and industry suppliers.
• Guide packaging, storage and labelling to ensure traceability and consumer safety.
• Provide reference methods for researchers developing analytical procedures for Lycii Fructus.

Who should use this standard

• Herbal raw material producers and exporters
• Quality control and analytical laboratories
• Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) manufacturers, nutraceutical and functional‑food companies
• Regulatory authorities, importers and certification bodies
• Researchers and pharmacognosy specialists

Related standards and resources

Relevant ISO standards cited include ISO 1575, ISO 1577, ISO 18664, ISO 22258, ISO 22590, ISO 21371 and WHO quality control methods for herbal materials. These support analytical methods and labelling compliance for herbal products.