To investigate the effect of prescription compatibility on the pharmacokinetics of components from Dachengqi Decoction (DCQD

大承气汤) in rats. Twenty-four male rats were randomly and equally divided into the DCQD group

Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei

Polygonaceae) group

Houpo (Magnolia officinalis Rehd.

Magnoliaceae) group

and Zhishi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus

Rutaceae) group. The blood samples were collected before dosing and subsequently at 10

15

20

30

45 min

1

2

4

8

and 12 h following gavage. The levels of aloe-emodin

rhein

emodin

chrysophanol

honokiol

magnolol

hesperidin

and naringin in rat serum were quantified using a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for pharmacokinetic study. The area under the curve (AUC)

mean retention time (MRT)

the peak concentration (Cmax) of aloe-emodin

rhein

emodin

and chrysophanol in the DCQD group were significantly different compared with the Dahuang group (P <0.05

respectively). The mean plasma concentration

Cmax

and the absorption of Dahuang’s component in the DCQD group were obviously lower at each time point than those in the Dahuang group

while the elimination process of Dahuang’s component was obviously delayed (P <0.05). Half-lives of aloe-emodin

chrysophanol

and rhein were also extended in the DCQD group (P <0.05

respectively). In the DCQD group

the mean plasma concentration

AUC

Cmax and absorption of honokiol

and magnolol were significantly lower (P <0.01

respectively) at each time point than those in the Houpo group

while the drug distribution half-life time (T1/2α)

the drug eliminated half-life time (T1/2β)

MRT

and time of peak concentration (Tmax) were significantly delayed (P <0.05

respectively). Pharmacokinetic parameters of hesperidin and naringin in the Zhishi group were not significantly different as compared with the DCQD group (P >0.05

respectively)

while the MRT of naringin was significantly longer. The compatibility in Chinese medicine could affect the drug’s pharmacokinetics in DCQD

which proves that the prescription compatibility principle of Chinese medicine formulations has its own pharmacokinetic basis.