Objective: To provide experimental data for the quality control of processed Paeonia lactiflora, a Chinese herbal medicine.
Method: Traditional processing of P. lactiflora was simulated, content of paeoniflorin and water extracts among different preparations were assayed by HPLC; The quantitative correlations among different processing conditions were analyzed, the effects of processing parameters on the contents of paeoniflorin and water extracts were assayed and analysed.
Result and conclusion: The controlled processing parameters were correlated with covariables which showed that processing procedures was controllable, and the heating temperature was a factor impacting the content of paeoniflorin.