OBJECTIVE:To optimize the decoction process of agkistrodon. METHODS:RP-HPLC with pre-column derivatiza-tion was adopted. With the contents of 4 main amino acids in agkistrodon as index,the decoction process(decocting times,heating time,water quantity and medicinal material crushing granularity) was optimized by orthogonal tests and verified. RESULTS:The optimal technology of the decoction process of agkistrodon was as 3 times of decoction,60 min of heating time,50 ml of water consumption for 0.90 g medicinal material and No.6 sieve. The results of verification test showed the total extraction of 4 kinds of amino acids was 72.68 mg/g(RSD=3.77%,n=3). CONCLUSIONS:The decoction technology can be used for the decoction pro-cess of agkistrodon,and it is stable and feasible.

OBJECTIVE:To optimize the best crushing particle size of Agkistrodon decocting powder,and study its effect on apoptosis of human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes. METHODS:Pre-column derivatization RP-HPLC was adopted. Using the total decoction amounts of 4 main amino acids (aspartic acid,glutamic acid,L-hydroxyproline,glycine) that decocted once as index,the Agkistrodon decoction pieces and those through No.1-8 seive were screened,and the best crushing particle size of Agkistrodon decocting powder was optimized. The human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes were divided into nega-tive control group,positive control group (1 μmol/L methotrexate) and the best crushing particle size of Agkistrodon decocting powder group(2.0 mg/mL),flow cytometry was used to determine the cell apoptosis after cultured for 48 h. RESULTS:The best crushing particle size was through No.6 seive,when the total amount of 4 main amino acids was(61.27±0.02)mg/g(n=3). Com-pared with negative control group,the apoptosis rate in the best crushing particle size of Agkistrodon decocting powder group was significantly increased(P<0.05),which was slightly higher than positive control group. CONCLUSIONS:The best crushing parti-cle size is through No.6 seive;and Agkistrodon decocting powder shows effect on reducing the apoptosis of human rheumatoid ar-thritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes.