Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Berberine After Oral Administration of Pure Berberine, Coptidis Rhizoma Extract, and Decoctions of Two Different Complex Herbal Formulas to Rats

摘要

The effects of traditional herbal medicines are usually attributed to synergism among the multiple herbs and constituents because the individual components interact with the other ingredients. Pharmacokinetic studies are useful in helping to explain and predict the various medical activities related to the efficacy and toxicity of drugs, as well as to evaluate the rationality and compatibility of herbs or herbal medications. Given the complex chemicals in herbal medications, one major active ingredient is generally selected as an indicative or marker compound and the interactions of ingredients in the herb or herbal medication are clarified based on the pharmacokinetic behavior of the selected compound.