Panax notoginseng is used as a therapeutic agent to stop haemorrhages and a tonic to promote health in Chinese medicine. Currently saponins of P. notoginseng (PNS) are especially given attentions for their hemorheological properties. The pharmacokinetic profiles of the main PNS are still not accurately investigated. Therefore, our preliminary aim is to elucidate the pharmacokinetic features of ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) and ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), two of the main PNS in rats. Firstly, quantitive analysis of Rb1 and Rg1 in saponins of P. notoginseng was studied and the most suitable assay method by HPLC for blood sample were established. Then Rb1 and Rg1 in the same serum were determined after administering PNS to rats. The decline of Rb1 in serum could be described by a two-compartment model. The half-life of a phase was 23.40min and that of b phase was 17.96 h. Rb1 was absorbed from the digestive tract and the bioavailability via P.O. was 4.35%. The pharmacokinetics of Rg1 in rats also could be described by a two-compartment model. The half-lives of Rg1 were 24.23min for a phase and 14.13h for b phase. Rg1 could be absorbed in the digestive tract and the oral bioavailability was 18.40%. Both of the low oral bioavailability of Rb1 and rapid reduction of Rg1 in blood indicated that formula modification is necessary.