Evaluation of different combinations of components of Chinese formulation Shuangshentongguan by using AUC values

A sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method was applied for the quantification of each component: tetrahydropalmatine (THP), dehydrocorydaline (DHC), salvianolic acid B (SAB), ginsenoside Rg₁, Re, Rb₁ and Rd in the Chinese herbal component SSTG (Shuangshentongguan) with different combinations.  The pharmacokinetic data were analyzed with WinNonlin 5.2 software.  The results showed that combination can increase the THP AUC value while the AUC values of SAB, ginsenoside Rg₁,   Re, Rb₁ and Rd were reduced.  These results showed significant differences.  The AUC value of ginsenoside Rb₁ was increased when combined with Danshen or Yanhusuo, but reduced when combined with Danshen and Yanhusuo.  The DHC concentration in serum was too low to be determined.