Objective : To investigate the effects of compatibility of Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS) on the pharmacokinetics of its major components in rats. Method : The entire formula is divided into four groups: Paeoniae Radix Alba (S)

Angelica Sinensis Radix-Chuanxiong Rhizoma (DC)

Paeoniae Radix Alba-Angelica Sinensis Radix-Chuanxiong Rhizoma (SDC) and entire formula. The extract of each group was given to rats orally

and albiflorin

paeoniflorin

ferulic acid and ligustilide in rat plasma were determined by HPLC. Result : Combination of S and DC lead a multi-absorption process to albiflorin and paeoniflorin. In DSS their multi-absorption disappeared

with T max

MRT and AUC decreased. Compatibility of S with DC reduced the C max

T max

MRT

and AUC of ferulic acid

while there was no significant differences in DSS expect an increased C max as compared with SDC. Combination of S and DC sharply decreased C max and AUC of ligustilide

while its MRT and AUC were increased in DSS. Conclusion : The main effect of DC to S was leading to a multi-absorption of albiflorin and paeoniflorin

which maintained a relatively high plasma level in longer time. Combination of S with DC greatly decreased plasma level and bioavailability of ferulic acid and ligustilide. Assistant and guide drugs mainly affect albiflorin and paeoniflorin in SDC

which accelerated their absorption and elimination rates

and lower their bioavailability.