OBJECTIVETo reveal the factors that affect the contents of volatile oil and beta-elemene in oil in Sarcandrae and to provide scientific basis for Sarcandrae's reasonable exploitation and quality assessment.

METHODA GC method was established and the contents of volatile oil and beta-elemene were determined in Sarcandrae from different length of time to grow, different medicament portions, different collection periods and different length of time to dry.

RESULTThe length of time to grow had no significant effect and the collection periods had effect on the volatile oil yield and content of beta-elemene. The volatile oil yield and content of beta-elemene were the highest in Sarcandrae harvested in December. The yield of volatile oil in different medicament portions descended in an order of roots, leaves and stems. The content of beta-elemene was the highest in leaves and the lowest in stems. With the increasing of the length of time to dry, the volatile oil yield and content of beta-elemene decreased calculated on an anhydrous basis.

CONCLUSIONThe established method is simple, accurate and repeatable. It can be used for the quality control of beta-elemene in Sarcandrae. The study provides a valuable basis for the quality assessment, the development and utilization of Sarcandrae.