OBJECTIVETo discuss the synergistic mechanism of compatible use of two medicinal herbs, Zingiber offiicinale and Aconitum cainichaeli, by determining single decoction of Z. offiicinale and four gingerols (6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 6-shogaol, 10-gingerol) contained in compound decoction of Z. offiicinale and A. cainichaeli of different compatibility ratio using HPLC.

METHODKromasil-C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) was adopted. The mobile phase was acetonitrile (B) and 0.1% aqueous acetic acid (A) for gradient elution (0-30 min, 40%-90% B; 30-35 min, 90%-40% B). The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1). The detection wavelength was set at 275 nm. The column temperature was 30 degrees C.

RESULTThe four gingerols were in baseline separation, with a good linearity (r > 0.999), an average recovery of 100.9% -103.5% and RSD < 3.0%. Compared with the single decoction of Z. offiicinale, the content of gingerols in the compound decoction of Z. offiicinale and A. cainichaeli was on the rise and in direct proportion with the increase in the volume of A. cainichaeli.

CONCLUSIONThe synergistic mechanism of the compatibility of Z. offiicinale and A. cainichaeli can be proved with the increased release of gingerols from Z. offiicinale.