The comparison of the components in 10 species of Rhodiola by GC method showed that sucrose and peak A, a unknown constituent, exist in all of 19 samples collected in the east area of Qinghai Province and in high quantities. However, salidroside, a known active component from the genus, is found from only 5 species with the quantity of more than 0.3%. There are 5 plants containing lotaustralin, a known oral toxic compound, and with the highest quantity in the plant of Rh. kirilowii. The content of the two compounds above varies as plants and habitats are different.
Chromatography, Gas Glucosides