[Chemical analysis of main medicinal species of genus Aralia]

This paper deals with the preliminary chemical analysis, thin layer chromotographic test and oleanolic acid assay of the main medicinal species of Aralia. It has been established that both herbaceous and woody species of Aralia contain saponin and beta-sitosterol. Therefore the idea "Chemical taxonomy of herbaceous taxon and woody taxon of Aralia can be based on the presence or absence of saponin and beta-sitosterol" is incorrect. An assay of different species has shown that certain species have high content of oleanolic acid and thus higher economic value. Based on the assay of samples of the same species collected in different stages of growth rational collecting periods are suggested.