[A research on chemical dynamic changes and drug efficacy of SMS compound prescription: chemical researches on shenmaisan prescription (I)].

To clarify the material base of the distinct curative effect of Shengmaisan (SMS) compound prescription, a study was made on the dynamics of chemical constituents in the decoction prepared according to the compound prescription. From the decoction a new compound was isolated and identified by UV, IR, MS and NMR as 5-hydroxymethy-2-furaldehyde (5-HMF). The study suggests that the distinct curative effect of SMS compound prescription hinges on a material base which is different chemically from that in the other three single drugs used separately, thus presenting scientific criteria for rational compatibility and quality check in making preparations on compound prescriptions.