OBJECTIVETo study the changes of soluble saccharides and amino acids during the growing period of Coptis chinensis.

METHODAmino acid contents were estimated by Indene tri-ketone colorimetric method; saccharide contents were determined by anthracene ketone method.

RESULT AND CONCLUSIONThe contents of soluble saccharides and amino acids in different organs were low in plants of 1-2 years old. And they were increased in plants of 3-4 years old. At maturation (5 years), the contents of amino acids kept on increasing in rhizome and flower stalk, while decreased in fibre and leaves, and the contents of soluble saccharides showed the downtrend in rhizome, leaves and fibre, except the uptrend in flower stalk.