ABSTRACT
The dynamic changes of active components in stems and leaves of Mentha Haplocalycis Herba(mint) at different harvest periods were investigated, and the optimum harvest time of mint was explored. In this study, hesperidin, diosmin, didymin and buddleoside were selected as flavonoids index components of mint, and the QAMS method was established to measure the contents of these flavonoids in mint. The contents of 4 flavonoid glycosides in the mint stems and leaves from three habitats harvested in different time were studied and evaluated comprehensively using statistical analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that the contents of 4 components in the leaves are higher than that in the stems despite of habitats and harvest time, and they all exhibited dynamic changes along with the harvest periods within the same habitat. Three harvest periods in mid April, mid September and late October scored higher in comprehensive evaluation in Jiangsu region, the genuine producing area of Mentha Haplocalycis Herba. Combined with the yield and contents of active compounds, the optimum harvest time of mint in Jiangsu region was mid September and late October, which is basically consistent with the traditional harvesting periods.