Evaluation of the similarity of dispensing granules of Banxia Houpo Tang with traditional decoction by chemical analysis and spasmolytic activity

Abstract Dispensing granule, an innovative preparations of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoction. The convenience of carrying and using makes this innovative herbal product more and more attractive in clinical practice. However, the consistency of quality and efficacy of such granules after constituting into a decoction compared with traditional decoctions is the subject of controversy. In the present study, BXHPT (Banxia Houpo Tang) was evaluated as a typical TCM. Consistency of BXHPT dispensing granules compared with a traditional decoction was performed by chemical analysis and assessment of biological activity. A novel high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) protocol in which four quality control markers were simultaneously detected, including rosmarinic acid, 6-gingerol, magnolol, and honokiol, was developed to rapidly evaluate the chemical similarity between BXHPT as a decoction and granules. The ability of a decoction and granules of BXHPT to reduce the contraction of duodenal strips evoked by ACh were compared, in addition to 4 quality control markers. The BXHPT decoction, dispensing granules, and 4 quality control markers all displayed spasmolytic activity. However, there were differences in the concentrations of the quality control markers and the spasmolytic activity of BXHPT dispensing granules compared with decoction, differences related to the process of preparation of the dispensing granules. The present study provides new methodology for the chemical analysis and evaluation of spasmolytic activity of BXHPT and analysis of the similarity of the prescription as a dispensing granule compared to a traditional decoction.