Aim To establish an assay method for the determination of three kinds of biologically active components,five compounds(emodin,chrysophanol,baicalin,wogonin and berberine hydrochloride) simultaneously in Sanhuang tablets.Methods HPLC was carried out,using a C18 column(150 mm×4.6 mm ID,5 μm) set at 30 ℃,acetonitrile-0.02 mol·L-1 acetic ammonium(adjusted pH to 3.50 with acetic acid glacial) as mobile phase(using gradient) with flowing rate 1.00 mL·min-1 and detected at 270 nm.Results The calibration curve of emodin was linear from(0.020 7) μg to 0.207 μg with r=0.999 9,the average recovery was 99.65% with RSD 1.25%.The calibration curve of chrysophanol was linear from 0.052 μg to 0.52 μg with r=(0.999 9),and the average recovery was 100.36% with RSD 0.96%.The calibration curve of baicalin was linear from(0.250 5) μg to 2.505 μg with r=(0.999 8),and the average recovery was 100.22% with RSD 1.29%.The calibration curve of wogonin was linear from 0.047 6 μg to 0.476 μg with r=(0.999 9),and the average recovery was 98.97% with RSD 1.20%.The calibration curve of berberine hydrochloride was linear from(0.053 12) μg to 0.531 2 μg with r=(0.999 5),and the average recovery was 96.02% with RSD 2.02%.The established method had also been used in the determination of the 5 compounds in 10 different batches of Sanhuang tablets.Conclusion This method was proved to be accurate and quick,and can be used for the quality control of the preparation all-around.