ABSTRACT
Object To develop the quantitative method of cinnamaldehyde in Mahuang Decoction (MHD) by GC-MS and study the influence of various combinations of MHD on the contents of cinnamaldehyde in the decoctions. Methods By L_8(2~7) orthogonal design and statistic analysis (SPSS 10.0), eight decoctions with Ramulus Cinnamomi were prepared and analyzed. Contents of cinnamaldehyde were determined by GC-MS. The pH value of decoctions was determined by pH meter. Results For Herba Ephedrae and Semen Armeniacae Amarum, the influences on the contents of cinnamaldehyde were significant (P0.05). The change of pH value not obvious. Conclusion The content of cinnamaldehyde is only reduced significantly by Herba Ephedrae and Semen Armeniacae Amarum. But it is insignificant for Radix Glycyrrhizae and its combinations.