OBJECTIVE To study the quantitative transfer law of Xianlingpi(Epimedium brevicornum Maxim.) herb-herbal pieces-standard decoction-formula granules based on index component of standard decoction.

METHODS Fifteen batches of standard decoction samples of Xianlingpi were prepared, and the content and characteristic chromatogram determination methods were established. Based on this, the quantitative transfer law of herb-herbal pieces-standard decoction-formula granules was analyzed supplemented with the yeild rate and the transfer rate.

RESULTS The results of 15 batches of standard decoction showed that the yield rate ranged from 8.7% to 17.0%. The content of diphylloside A in Xianlingpi ranged from 84.3 mg·g⁻¹ to 171.5 mg·g⁻¹ and the transfer rate of standard decoction ranged from 30.0% to 63.6%. The content range of diphylloside A in Xianlingpi herbs was 23.2−48.3 mg·g⁻¹ and the content range of diphylloside A in Xianlingpi decoction pieces was 24.9−49.3 mg·g⁻¹. Meanwhile, the content of diphylloside A in Xianlingpi formula granules ranged from 83.2 mg·g⁻¹ to 97.4 mg·g⁻¹ and the transfer rate of formula granules was 49.3% to 56.1%. Five common peaks were identified in Xianlingpi herbs, herbal pieces, standard decoction and formula granules with four characteristic peaks identified for the peak 1(S) of diphylloside A, peak 2 of epimedin A, peak 3 of epimedin C and peak 5 of ikarisoside A. And the relative retention time of peak 4 was within the specified range.

CONCLUSION  Based on the Xianlingpi(Epimedium brevicornum Maxim.) standard decoction, the transfer behavior of five characteristic peaks, such as dihydroicaritin A et al, in Xianlingpi herb-herbal pieces-standard decoction-formula granules is found to be stable. The index component remains within the specified range of the standard decoction, indicating that the preparation process and quality control of Xianlingpi(Epimedium brevicornum Maxim.) formula granules are consistent with those of the Xianlingpi(Epimedium brevicornum Maxim.) standard decoction.