The optimal condition for the determination of saikosaponin a and d, the major pharmacologically active saponins of the roots of Bupleurum falcatum, was studied with the conversion of these saponins into diene saponins $(saikosaponin;b_1;and;b_2)$. The complete separation and quantitative analysis of these saponins were performed by the method of high performance liquid chromatography using $NH_2$ column. The conversion of saikosaponin a and d into diene saponins under gastric pH was calculated. Thirty-three percent of saikosaponin a was converted to saikosaponin $b_1$ and 63 percent of saikosaponin d was converted to saikosaponin $b_2$.