Objective The HPLC fingerprint and the content determination method of the benchmark sample of Guizhi Gancao Decoction (GGD, 桂枝甘草汤) were established to study the rule of quantity-quality transmitting of GGD benchmark samples. Methods According to the method recorded in “Treatise on Febrile Diseases”, 15 batches of GGD benchmark samples were prepared and the HPLC fingerprint of 15 batches of benchmark samples was established. The peak attribution and similarity range in the fingerprint were clarified, and the quantity-quality transfer indexes such as the range of extract yield, the content range of index components and the range of transfer rate were analyzed. The quality control system for GGD benchmark samples was preliminarily established. Results A total of 40 common peaks were identified in the 15 batches of GGD benchmark samples, which with good similarity (> 0.99). The contents of protocatechuic acid, liquiritin, coumarin, cinnamyl alcohol, liquiritigenin, cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde, and glycyrrhizic acid in the benchmark sample were 0.080—0.087, 0.863—1.055, 0.431—0.560, 0.167—0.227, 0.087—0.127, 0.423—0.492, 0.160—0.199, and 2.437—2.904 mg/g, respectively. The transfer rates of the eight index components from decoction pieces to water decoction were 44.35%—54.84%, 40.56%—44.44%, 48.82%—56.00%, 22.84%—52.61%, 25.70%—30.02%, 33.75%—37.83%, 23.42%—28.98%, and 62.09%—65.13%, respectively. The transfer rates from the water decoction to the reference sample were 67.99%—84.39%, 62.15%—67.93%, 59.42%—74.22%, 76.20%—85.64%, 51.31%—60.73%, 78.80%—85.17%, 16.27%—22.19%, and 71.82%—76.58%, respectively. Overall, the transfer rates of components from decoction pieces to water decoction were relatively low, while the transfer rates of most components increased during the subsequent concentration and freeze-drying processes. Only cinnamaldehyde showed a significant loss during freeze-drying. The dry paste yield of the reference sample was stable, with an average transfer rate of 77.71 %. Conclusion Through the HPLC fingerprint of GGD benchmark samples and the quantity-quality transfer patterns of its active components, a preliminary quality control system based on index components was established. This provides a scientific basis for the standardization and quality consistency evaluation of GGD classical prescription preparations.

classical formula  /  Guizhi Gancao Decoction  /  fingerprints  /  quantity-quality transfer  /  benchmark samples  /  protocatechuic acid  /  liquiritin  /  coumarin  /  cinnamyl alcohol  /  liquiritigenin  /  cinnamic acid  /  cinnamaldehyde  /  glycyrrhizic acid