Using Dachengqi Tang (DCQT) as a model, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
fingerprints were applied to optimize machine extracting process with the Box–Behnken experimental
design. HPLC fingerprints were carried out to investigate the chemical ingredients of DCQT; synthetic
weighing method based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and criteria importance through intercriteria
correlation (CRITIC) was performed to calculate synthetic scores of fingerprints; using the mark
ingredients contents and synthetic scores as indicators, the Box–Behnken design was carried out to
optimize the process parameters of machine decocting process under high pressure for DCQT. Results of
optimal process showed that the herb materials were soaked for 45 min and extracted with 9 folds volume
of water in the decocting machine under the temperature of 140 1C till the pressure arrived at 0.25 MPa;
then hot decoction was excreted to soak Dahuang and Mangxiao for 5 min. Finally, obtained solutions
were mixed, filtrated and packed. It concluded that HPLC fingerprints combined with the Box–Behnken
experimental design could be used to optimize extracting process of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM