RESUMO
Objective:To compare the content of total saponins in Paridis Rhizome from Wudang mountain area to explore the cor-relation between the quality of medicinal materials and the production areas and species. Methods: The content of total saponins in Paridis Rhizome was determined by an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer at 406nm with perchloric acid as the chromogenic reagent. Results:The saponins content in Paridis Rhizome from Wudang mountain area had obvious differences:the minimum was 1. 29%, and the maximum was up to 10. 22%. The content of total saponins had no obvious correlation with species, production area and altitude. Conclusion:The quality of Paridis Rhizome is unstable in Wudang mountain area, and that will affect the effectiveness and safety of the clinical medication. Only by promoting the standardized planting of Chinese medicine materials, the stable quality of Paridis Rhizo-me can be ensured.