Abstract:Objective:To understand the chemical changes in the decocting process of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei.Method:Comparing the contents of many kinds of anthraquinones in the crude drug, decoction and drug sediments of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei by HPLC.Result:The contents of combined and free anthraquinones changed after the crude drug was decocted.Conclusion:These changes may be related to the hydrolysis of combined anthraquinones, the decomposition of free anthraquinones, and the inter transition among anthraquinones.