Abstract:In order to explore the dynamic change process of the main active components of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. with growth years in Shiyan area,Hubei Province,and to determine the suitable harvest period for the artificial cultivation of Polygonum multiflorumThunb.,HPLC was used to continuously determine the contents of 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene 2-O-β-D-glucoside (THSG) and anthraquinones with different forms in different organs of P. multiflorum Thunb. at different growth stages after transplanting. Results showed that the underground dry matter of P. multiflorum Thunb. continued to increase within 3 years after transplanting,with the fastest increase within 2 years and significant decrease of the growth rate in the third year. The decreasing order of the contents of THSG and anthraquinones in different organs of P. multiflorum Thunb. was unexpanded root>root tuber>stem. The contents of THSG and anthraquinones in leaves were very small and difficult to be detected. The contents of THSG and anthraquinones in root of P. multiflorum Thunb. increased almost linearly within 2 years after transplanting,reaching the maximum value in December of the second year. There was no significant difference between the content of THSG and anthraquinones in the third year compared with that in the same period of the second year. The overall difference in the content of THSG and anthraquinones in stems in 3 years was not significant,but there were obvious fluctuations in different seasons,with the highest content in December each year. The quality and yield of P. multiflorumThunb. in Shiyan area in December of the second year after transplanting are relatively optimal,which can be used as a reference for the suitable harvest period of P. multiflorum Thunb. artificially cultivated in this area.