Abstract: To analyze the contents and variation rules of 9 components in different years old stage and parts of Rheum palmatum L.The HPLC analysis was performed on Woburn C₁₈ chromatographic column (5 μm,4.6 mm×250 mm),the detection wavelength was set at 260 nm,the column temperature was 30 ℃,the flow rate was 1.0 mL/min,with the injection volume of 10 μL.The linear range was good (R²>0.995),RSDs of precision,stability,and repeatability tests were all low than 2%,and the average recoveries were 97.30%-108.20%.The contents analysis showed that,in the same part,except for the relative stability of gallic acid in the root,emodin in the rhizome,and chrysophanol in the leaf,the contents of the other components increased year by year or at the 4th year,and showed no significant change at the 5th year.During the same year,the contents of chrysophanol-8-O-glucoside,emodin,chrysophanol,physcion ether was in the order of root >rhizome > leaf.Contents of aloe emodin at the 3rd year,gallic acid,and sennoside B at the 4th year in leaves were as much as those in roots.The contents of emodin-8-O-glucoside at the 5th year was in the order of leaf > rhizome > root.The contents of gallic acid and chrysophanol in root and rhizome were the merely equal,however,higher than those in leaves,at the 5th year.The HPLC analysis method with simple,rapid,and good reproducibility was successfully established,clarifying the different accumulation characteristics of 9 components in different ages and parts of R.palmatum L.,providing a theoretical basis for its quality evaluation and efficient medicine production.

Key words: Rheum palmatum L., contents determination, accumulation profile, HPLC, anthraquinone