OBJECTIVETo set up the HPLC fingerprint of Glycyrrhiza uralensis in decoctions prepared from various combinations of the recipe named Mahuang decoctions and study the influence of compatibility on fingerprint of G. wralensis in decoctions.

METHODThe RP-HPLC method was used, chromatography conditions were Zorbax SB-C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm), the acetonitrile-1.2% acetic acid (gradient elution) as mobile phase and detective wavelength at 254 nm.

RESULTThe method is stable and reliable with a good reproducibility and provides a reference standard for the quality control of G. uralensis, it can be used to determine the fingerprint of G. aralensis in Mahuang decoctions. The result showed that 8 peaks were common in the fingerprint of G. uralensis in Mahauang decoctions. The area changes of 8 common peaks in decoctions prepared from various combinations of Mahuang decoctions were studied.

CONCLUSIONThe fingerprint of G. uralensis in Mahuang decoctions is markedly influenced by herba ephedrae and ramulus cinnamomi and semen armeniacae amarum. The areas of 7 common peaks were reduced obviously, while the relative areas of 6 common peaks were increased remarkably.