Abstract: In order to elucidate the distribution rule of saponins in Panax notoginseng, the contents of ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rd and notoginsenoside R1 in different underground parts of notoginseng were determined by HPLC analysis. The results indicated that the contents of ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 together
with total content of ginsenosides Rg1, Rb1, Rd, Re, notoginsenoside R1 in the taproot“60 Tou”(viz . 60 taproots per 500 g) are highest among all commercial grades of P. notoginseng. The rhizome provided more than 25% saponins, though its biomass is only about 18% of the underground parts. The levels of biomass and saponins of phloem in both taproot and rhizome are significantly higher than those of xylem. The biomass and saponin levels of two years old roots are markedly lower than those of three years old one. The comparative analyses were carried out on P. notoginseng of different stem colors .

Key words: Panax notoginseng