Objective To summarize the characteristics of the amount of Xixin（ Manchurian Wildginger

细辛）in powder prescriptions containing Xixin from Han dynasty to Qing dynasty. Methods Powder prescriptions containing Xixin for internal administration in Prescriptions of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dictionary were included

and the prescription database was established. The whole prescription dosage

dosage of Xixin

number of ingredients

daily dose and proportion Xixin dose were calculated. Results Xixin was not used alone in power prescription

and often with compound forms of 7

15 ingredients. It was commonly taken 3 times per day

and the average dosage percentage of Xixin was 3. 80%

10. 9%. The dose was appropriately increased when treating surgical disease

and the average dose was increasing from Han dynasty to Qing dynasty. Small dose Xixin was used in powder prescription

and the dose range was 0. 33 g

1. 19 g in Han and Tang dynasty

0. 61 g

2. 00 g in Song and Yuan dynasty

0. 48 g

1

. 92 g in Ming dynasty

0. 72 g

2. 71 g in Qing dynasty

showing a rising trend. The standard of the commonly used dose was 1

3 g in Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China

which was more in accordance with the requirements for the dosage of Xixin in powder prescriptions. Conclusion Reduce in the number of ingredients and increase in the percentage of Xixin dose is the main cause of increased dosage of Xixin in powder prescription along the dynasties. The clinical use of Xixin should consider the factors of different types of prescription. It is not appropriate only referring to dose range but ignoring prescription type.