To explore the types and contents of the main components of two species of dried Dendrobium under the same growth conditions and evaluate the antioxidant effect of these components.The main components of dried D. huoshanense and D. officinale were detected according to the national standards,and the antioxidant activity of these components was examined through removal of DPPH and reduction of potassium ferricyanide.Crude protein,vitamin C,tannin,total acid,polyphenol and flavonoid contents of dried D. huoshanense were significantly different from those of dried D. officinale (P<0.05),while crude polysaccharide and crude fat contents of dried D. huoshanense were not significantly different from those of dried D. officinale (P>0.05);17 common amino acids were found in both dried Dendrobium species,but dried D. huoshanense had a markedly higher essential amino acid content than dried D. officinale; both dried Dendrobium extracts demonstrated certain antioxidant activity,with dried D. huoshanense out performing dried D. officinale.Dried D. huoshanense has high nutritional value and antioxidant activity,which is worthy of research,development and application as a new food.