Objective: To study the characteristics of intestinal absorption of icariin and epimedin C of Xianlinggubao capsules, and compare the absorption of Xianlinggubao capsules prepared by different processes.
Method: Non everted gut sac method was applied to investigate the influence of absorption sites and concentration on icariin and epimedin C, which were determined by HPLC.
Result: The absorption rate constants of epimedin C in duodenum were absolutely more than that in jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05). The absorption rate constants of icariin in jejunum were absolutely less than that in duodenum and ileum (P < 0.05). The absorption rate constants of epimedin C and icariin kept at the same level when the concentrations of drug solution were at high, middle and low level. The Ka of epimedin C at three levels were 0.040, 0.058, 0.061 h(-1) , respectively, and the Ka of icariin at three levels were 0.002, 0.007, 0.003 h(-1), respectively.
Conclusion: Intestinal absorption of icariin and epimedin C is not effected by concentrations. The absorption rate constants of icariin and epimedin C in new Xianlinggubao capsules are higher.