Optimization of high pressure machine decocting process for Dachengqi Tang using HPLC fingerprints combined with the Box–Behnken experimental design

Using Dachengqi Tang（DCQT） as a model, high performance liquid chromatography（HPLC）fingerprints were applied to optimize machine extracting process with the Box–Behnken experimental design. HPLC fingerprints were carried out to investigate the chemical ingredients of DCQT; synthetic weighing method based on analytic hierarchy process（AHP） and criteria importance through intercriteria correlation（CRITIC） was performed to calculate synthetic scores of fingerprints; using the mark ingredients contents and synthetic scores as indicators, the Box–Behnken design was carried out to optimize the process parameters of machine decocting process under high pressure for DCQT. Results of optimal process showed that the herb materials were soaked for 45 min and extracted with 9 folds volume of water in the decocting machine under the temperature of 140 1C till the pressure arrived at 0.25 MPa;then hot decoction was excreted to soak Dahuang and Mangxiao for 5 min. Finally, obtained solutions were mixed, filtrated and packed. It concluded that HPLC fingerprints combined with the Box–Behnken experimental design could be used to optimize extracting process of traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）.

Comparison on Traditional and Machinery Decoctions for Da-cheng-qi Decoction Based on Chemical Ingredients, Pharmacological Functions, and Clinical Trials

Objective Patients and doctors often have questions about the equivalence of traditional and machinery decoctions. In this article, using Da-cheng-qi Decoction（DCQD） as a model of formula, traditional decoction（TD）, machinery decoction under high pressure（MDHP）, and machinery decoction under normal pressure（MDNP） were compared. Methods For chemical components, HPLC fingerprints were established and evaluated using AHP combined with CRITIC weighing method; For animals＇ effects, the experiments of small intestinal propulsion were conducted; For clinical effects, a randomized clinical trial（RCT） was designed and performed. Results Although there were some differences between TD and MDNP in chemical ingredients, there was no significant difference in animal experiments and clinical trials（P 〉 0.05）. Conclusion The traditional and machinery decoctions of DCQD could be used bioequivalently.