An astringent is a topical compound that tends to shrink or constrict body tissues, usually locally after topical medicinal application.

I believe the word you want is "stringent" (without the initial "a"), which means "rigorous standards of performance."

Always happy to help the under-educated.

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But more stringent regulation of insurance companies IS a very good idea. Downright necessary, in fact.

(But Firth, that's the Federal Government trying to regulate our lives again! Socialism! Fascism! Tyranny! Death! Doom! Destruction! Jackboots marching in our streets!)

Don Firth