OBJECTIVETo compare the contents of secondary metabolites and the anti-bacterial activity of seven different compound Caulis Sargentodoxae decoctions.

METHODSKirby-Bauer disk agar diffusion method was used for measuring anti-bacterial activity. The contents of secondary metabolites were determined by spectrometry. The correlation and path analysis were used to identify the goal compound.

RESULTThe secondary metabolites contents and anti-bacterial activity of seven different compound Caulis Sargentodoxae decoctions varied significantly. The total contents of six secondary metabolites of Shushao Caulis Sargentodoxae decoction was the highest, while that of Caihu Caulis Sargentodoxae decoction was the second highest and that of Yiyi Caulis Sargentodoxae decoction was the lowest. The anti-bacterial activity of Shushao Caulis Sargentodoxae decoction was the highest and that of Cangbai Caulis Sargentodoxae decoction was the lowest. The correlation and path analysis showed that the total tannin and total chlorogenic acid might be the major factors related to the anti-bacterial activity of compound Caulis Sargentodoxae decoctions.

CONCLUSIONThe total contents of six secondary metabolites and the anti-bacterial activity of Shushao Caulis Sargentodoxae decoction are the highest among seven different decoctions and there is a significant correlation of the anti-bacterial activity with the contents of total tannin and total chlorogenic acid.