ABSTRACT
Objective To determine the contents of four effective constituents in Euphorbiae Semen decoction;To provide evidence for Euphorbiae Semen decoction into clinical application. Methods Established quantitative analysis multi-components by single marker method was used to determine the contents of diterpenoids constituents, such as euphorbia storoid, euphorbia factor L2, and euphorbia factor L3. HPLC method was used to determine the contents of aesculetin. Results Contents of euphorbia storoid, euphorbia factor L2, and euphorbia factor L3 in smashed Euphorbiae Semen decoction were 0.015 9%, 0.005 9% and 0.024 1%, respectively. However, the contents of the above three constituents could not be detected in whole Euphorbiae Semen decoction. The content of aesculetin (0.693 6%) in smashed Euphorbiae Semen decoction was more than that in whole Euphorbiae Semen decoction (0.288 2%). Conclusion Decoction digestion effect of diterpenoids constituents in Euphorbiae Semen decoction is not good. Decocting with water is not suitable for the clinical application of Euphorbiae Semen for purgation and diuresis. Aesculetin in smashed Euphorbiae Semen decoction has good decoction digestion effect, in which clinical use for antisepsis and anti-inflammation is effective.