RESUMO
Objective: To optimize the extraction process parameters of Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Granules (GSZG). Methods: Using high performance liquid chromatography and Elisa, the extraction rate of trans-cinnamaldehyde, paeoniflorin, mangiferin, glycyrrhizic acid, the dry extract yield of extracted herbs and inflammatory factor IL-6 were comprehensively evaluated. The information entropy weighting method was used to determine the objective weight of each index, and response surface methodology was adopted to optimize the extraction process parameters of GSZG. Results: The method had good linear relationship within the range of 3.27-104.64 μg/mL for trans-cinnamaldehyde (r = 0.999 9), 8.16-261.03 μg/mL for paeoniflorin (r = 1.000 0), 1.39-89.27 μg/mL for mangiferin (r = 0.999 9), and 1.00-33.00 μg/mL for glycyrrhizic acid ammonium salt (r = 0.999 9). Guizhi-Shaoyao-Zhimu extraction had the effect of inhibiting the proliferation of MH7A cells (molded by TNF-α) with IC50 of 1.02 mg/mL, and had anti-inflammatory activity. Entropy method was more scientific, reasonable and stable. According to the comprehensive scoring results and practical situation, it was determined that the best extraction process of the preparation was to add 16 times the amount of water, and decocted three times for 1 h each time. The RSD of the predicted value was less than 3% compared with the measured value. Conclusion: The preferred process has high extraction rate, with good stability and repeatability, which is suitable for the mass production of GSZG.