Objective: To evaluate the correlativity between volatile oils of Mahuang Fuzi Xixin decoction and its major constituted herbs in composition and proportion.
Methods: The chemical compositions of volatile oils obtained by wet distillation from Mahuang Fuzi Xixin decoction and its major constituted herbs (Herba Ephedrae, processed Radix Aconiti Lateralis, Herba Asari) were analyzed by GC-MS.
Results: 44 volatile components of Mahuang Fuzi Xixin decoction were identified, which mainly derived from its constituted herbs Mahuang and Xixin. 68, 8, 39 volatile components were respectively identified from volatile oils of Herba Epherae, processd Radix Aconiti Lateralis and Herba Asari. There were apparent changes in composition and proportion between volatile oils of Mahuang Fuzi Xixin decoction and its major constituted herbs.
Conclusion: There are apparent changes not only in quantity but also in quality between decoction and its major constituted herbs. Meanwhile any changes in composition may lead to a change in efficacy.