OBJECTIVETo analyze chemical constituents of Sini San its migrating components in rat plasma and study its in vitro and in vivo material base using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photo-diode-array detector and tandem mass spetrometry (UPLC-PDA-MS/MS).

METHODACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 mm x 100 mm, 1.7 microm) was adopted, with gradient elution system of water containing 2 mmol x L(-1) ammonium acetate and acetonitrile at flow rate of 0.2 mL x min(-1). The column temperature was maintained at 35 degrees C. The mass spectra were obtained by electrospray ionization source operating in both positive and negative ion mode. Ions were scanned from the m/z 100 to 1 000, and the characteristic ions were schizolysised twice to obtain the secondary MS data.

RESULTTwenty chemical constituents were detected, including paeoniflorin, glycyrrhizic acid, saikosaponins a and naringin. In vivo, there were 8 ingredients directly absorbed into blood after the administration of Sini San decoction, such as paeoniflorin, naringin and hesperidin. Besides, 6 metabolites were also detected, involving glucuronides, sulfate and sulfoglucuronides.

CONCLUSIONIn vitro and in vivo chemical materials of Sini San decoction is analyzed by UPLC-PDA-MS/MS to reflect in vitro and in vivo material base of Sini San decoction in a comprehensive and rapid manner and provide basis for further study on efficacious material basis of Sini San decoction.