Pharmacokinetics of salvianolic acids after intravenous injection, with and without Panax quinquefolium protopanaxadiol saponins, in rats

AimThe purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of Panax quinquefolium protopanaxadiol saponins (PQDS) extracts on the plasma protein binding and pharmacokinetic of salvianolic acids extracts extracted from the traditional Chinese medical Salvia miltiorrhiza,. Salvianolic acids are used to treat myocardial ischemia, and PQDS has similar functions. It is expected to achieve a better therapeutic efficacy if the two extracts are developed as a compound prescription for injection.Materials and methodsAn established high-performance liquid chromatographic technique coupled with microdialysis was used. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were given salvianolic acids extracts and a compound of the two extracts via femoral vein.ResultsIt was found that there were significant differences in the percentage protein binding as well as the pharmacokinetic parameters. The rat plasma protein binding of the four salvianolic acids increased by different degrees at three dose levels (25, 50, 100mg/kg of salvianolic acid B) when the two extracts were administered together. Also, their elimination half-life was prolonged, and their plasma concentrations remained stable longer after administration of a dose of 50mg/kg (salvianolic acid B).ConclusionsThe results indicated that the PQDS extracts could delay the excretion of salvianolic acids as well as maintain the blood concentration higher than salvianolic acids extracts administered alone.