Comparison on Traditional and Machinery Decoctions for Da-cheng-qi Decoction Based on Chemical Ingredients, Pharmacological Functions, and Clinical Trials

ObjectivePatients and doctors often have questions about the equivalence of traditional and machinery decoctions. In this article, using Da-cheng-qi Decoction (DCQD) as a model of formula, traditional decoction (TD), machinery decoction under high pressure (MDHP), and machinery decoction under normal pressure (MDNP) were compared.MethodsFor chemical components, HPLC fingerprints were established and evaluated using AHP combined with CRITIC weighing method; For animals' effects, the experiments of small intestinal propulsion were conducted; For clinical effects, a randomized clinical trial (RCT) was designed and performed.ResultsAlthough there were some differences between TD and MDNP in chemical ingredients, there was no significant difference in animal experiments and clinical trials (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe traditional and machinery decoctions of DCQD could be used bioequivalently.