Objective: To improve the drug standard and provide a theoretical basis for the correct evaluation of the quality of the drugs

the qualities of Huanglian Shangqing tablets from different manufactures were investigated and some problems were analyzed. Method: The core tablets of 10 batches from 7 manufacturers were weighed and the powder samples were microscopically observed. Method for determination of 5 kinds of anthraquinone (aloe-emodin

rhein

emodin

chrysophanol and physcion) was established and the content of anthraquinone was assayed. Result: There are no microscopic indifferences exist among different tablets

while the weight of the tablets as well as the content five kinds of anthraquinone was quite different. Conclusion: Big differences of the quality of the products exist among different products

which may result from different raw materials and preparation process.