OBJECTIVETo analyze the dynamic change of chemical constituents in Changium smyrnioides at different ages and give a reference for standard cultivation.

METHODThe contents of polysaccharides, mannitol and choline in the roots were determined by colorimetry. HPLC was used to analyze water-soluble components in the roots. GC-MS was used to analyze volatile oil components in the leaves. Similarity coefficient of water-soluble components was calculated by included angle cosine method.

RESULTThere was significant difference in content of the analyzed chemical constituents except polysaccharide. Contents of mannitol, physiological ash and polysaccharide in the adult plant were higher than those in the young plant. On the contrast, content of water-soluble components and choline in the young plant was higher than that in the adult plant. With the increase of the growth years, water-soluble components in the roots and volatile oil components in the leaves were gradually concentrated.

CONCLUSIONThe growth time significantly affects the chemical constituents in Ch. smyrnioides, the reasonable harvest time is from the second to the forth year after transplanting.