Contents of mark ingredients were obtained according to calibration
curves using SPSS software (SPSS for Windows 17.0, SPSS
Corporation, USA). Synthetic scores were calculated according to
synthetic weights based on AHP combined with CRITIC [9,10].
In this mathematic model, Dahuang was the most important herb
like the monarch, so the principal anthraquinones in Dahuang
such as emodin, rhein and aloe-emodin were the first critical
layer elements, but the influences were negative because the
purgative effects decreased when anthraquinone glycosides were
transferred into anthraquinones. Using Houpu and Zhishi as
assistants, hesperidin in Zhishi, magnolol and honokiol in Houpu
were the parameters of second layer; HPLC peaks which had the
richest amounts were marked as the third layer; other common
peaks were decided as the fourth layer; and uncommon peaks were
regarded as the least important factors. Then the obtained contents
of mark ingredients and synthetic scores of 17 trials were input
into computer and analyzed by Design Expert 7.0 software. The
statistical validation of the polynomial equations and response
surface analyses plotted in three-dimensional model graphs were
provided by the software.