OBJECTIVETo study the compatibility of dosage change of Zhishi, Houpo and Mangxiao affecting the yields of Anthraquinone components in Dachengqi decoction.

METHODResponse surface methodology (RSM) with Doehlert design was adopted to evaluate the yields of Anthraquinone components in Dachengqi decoction by dosage change of Zhishi, Houpo and Mangxiao and the analysis time was shorten through a desirability function.

RESULTResults show that Anthraquinone components were got a high yields when the dosage ratio of Dachengqi decoction were compatible as follows: Dahuang-Zhishi-Houpo-Mangxiao (1:4:2. 31:2).

CONCLUSIONThe Doehlert design with a desirability function, which allow a sequential response methodology, is a good methods, and, of cause, the mathematical model can be further extended and applied to the compatibility research of Chinese material medicine.