OBJECTIVETo evaluate the antioxidant effects of Taohong Siwu decoction and to exploit the bioactive constituents.

METHODThe samples were prepared by macroporous adsorptive resins (TH-1-TH-15). Three antioxidant models were adopted to evaluate the antioxidant activities of Taohong Siwu decoction and its different separated fractions in vitro. It was found that fractions (TH-2, TH-4, TH-7, TH-8, TH-9), separated from Taohong Siwu decoction, mainly contributed to the antioxidant effects. The chemical constituents in the most active fraction TH-8 were identified and determined by HPLC.

RESULTTH-8 showed significant antioxidant activities in the antioxidant experiments. Six compounds in the fraction were determined which were amygdalin, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, benzoic acid, coumaric acid and ferulic acid. The contents were 75.70, 31.26, 60.79, 1.196, 1.108, 4.861 mg L(-1), respectively.

CONCLUSIONGlycosides and aromatic acids may be the principle effective constituents in the active fraction.