Objective: To compare the compoents absorbed into blood after oral administration of Liuwei Dihuang Wan, Zhibai Dihuang Wan and Guifu Dihuang Wan, and to elucidate the composing principle of the prescriptions related to Liuwei Dihuang Wan.
Method: Using the method of RP-HPLC, the serum chromatograms of rats after oral administration of the three prescriptions were established. By comparing the chromatograms with that of the prescriptions and composing drugs, the origin and the difference of compounds absorbed into blood of Liuwei Dihuang Wan and the other two prescriptions were identified.
Result: Fourteen compounds were detected in all of the serum after administration of three prescriptions reapectly. Additionally, five special compounds were detected in the serum of Zhibai Dihuang Wan, and two special compounds were detected in the serum of Guifu Dihuang Wan.
Conclusion: The number of compounds absorbed into blood reflects the different effects of the three prescriptions, and it should be the prospective access to elucidate the composing principle of formula.