OBJECTIVETo study the dissolution characteristics of seven active components of Xianlinggubao capsules in vitro, and compare the dissolution of Xianlinggubao capsules prepared by different processes.

METHODThe dissolution of Xianlinggubao capsules was determined by small cup method with the rotating speed of 100 r x min(-1) and phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) as dissolution medium. The different dissolution rates in vitro of seven kinds of active components (icariin, epimedin C, asperosaponin VI, psoralen, isopsoralen, salvianolic acid B and tanshinone IIA) of Xianlinggubao capsules were investigated. The contents of active components were determined by HPLC. The accumulative dissolution percentages were calculated, and the resemblance of release curves were compared by similarity factors (f2).

RESULTThe results of determination showed that the similarity factor values (f2) of the dissolution curves of seven active components after different preparation processes were all less than 50.

CONCLUSIONThere is significant difference in dissolution of active components between Xianlinggubao capsules of different preparation processes. The accumulative dissolution percentages of the active components in new Xianlinggubao capsules are higher than that of Xianlinggubao capsules.