Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-d-glucoside from traditional Chinese medicine Polygonum multiflorum following oral administration to rats

► We study pharmacokinetic profiles of a stilbene glycoside of Polygonum multiflorum. ► Adopted RP-HPLC with liquid−liquid extraction method is suitable and reliable. ► Stilbene glycoside in rats is rapidly absorbed into body fluids and rapidly cleared. ► Stilbene glycoside is widely distributed throughout the rat organ tissues.