Metabolic Pharmacokinetics in Rats: Differences between Pure Amygdalin and Amygdalin in a Decoction of Peach Seeds

The pharmacokinetics of prunasin after oral administration of amygdalin or a decoction of peach seeds was determined and compared in rats. A $C_{18}$ column was used for separation at a column temperature of $25^{\circ}C$. The mobile phase consisted of 20% aqueous acetonitrile, and the flow rate was 0.5 mL/min. After oral administration of a decoction of peach seeds, prunasin was absorbed rapidly, reaching a maximum plasma concentration ($C_{max}$) of 62.1 mg/L within 45 min. After oral administration of amygdalin, the absorption of prunasin was delayed. The $C_{max}$ of prunasin was 42.9 mg/L and was reached at 60 min. Values for the pharmacokinetic parameters of prunasin, including $T_{max}$, $C_{max}$, AUC, $T_{1/2}$, CL/F, and V1/F, were significantly different for the oral administration of amygdalin compared with that of a decoction of peach seeds.