Abstract: AIM: To investigate pharmacokinetics of salvia miltiorrhiza injection in rats.METHODS: A dose of salvia miltiorrhiza injection (standardized as Dhpl 40 mg·kg ^-1, iv) was given in rats and plasma Dhpl concentrations were determined by a HPLC method.The 3p87 software was used to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters of Dhpl.RESULTS: The main parameters were as follows:T_{1 2α}=0.29 ±0.23 h, T_{1 2β}=1.75 ±0.99 h, V_d=0.83 ±0.70 L·kg ^-1, Cl=0.33 ±0.16 L·h ^-1 · kg ^-1, and AUC_(0-inf) =149 ±66mg·h·L ^-1.CONCLUSION: Data of the blood concentration-time of salvia miltiorrhiza injection can be fitted to a two-compartment open model.

Key words: pharmacology, salvia miltiorrhiza injection, salvianic acid A, pharmacokinetics, HPLC