Abstract: Objective To compare the contents of eight saponins in different parts of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis, and provide data for subsequent development and applications of medicinal resources. Methods HPLC was used to simultaneously determine the contents of eight saponins, including saponins polyphyllinⅦ, D, H,Ⅵ, Ⅱ, dioscin, gracillin, and polyphyllinⅠ, in the rhizomes, fibrous roots, stems, leaves, and sepals of the plant. The chromatographic column was YMC Pack ODS-A C₁₈ (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm), and the mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile (A)-water (B) under gradient elution (0-50 min, 30%→50% A; 50-65 min, 50% A). The detection wavelength was 203 nm, the flow rate was 1 mL·min^-1, and the column temperature was 30℃. Results Each part of the plant contained a certain amount of saponins, but there were significant differences. The fibrous root contained more of polyphyllin Ⅶ than the rhizomes, but contained no polyphyllinⅠ. The content of total saponins in the stems was lower while that of polyphyllin Ⅶ was higher. There was significant difference in the contents of total saponins and individual saponins between leaves and sepals of different batches. For example, some batches contained higher levels of polyphyllinⅦ, H, or Ⅱ. There was a correlation between the contents of saponins in leaves and sepals. In the same batch of samples, the components whose contents were higher in leaves also had higher contents in sepals, but the total content in sepals was lower than in leaves. Conclusion There are significant differences in saponin contents between non-medicinal parts and rhizomes, but both contain some saponins. Non-medicinal parts can be used to extract saponins or explore their medicinal value.

Key words: Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis, Paris Saponins, HPLC, Different Parts, Content Determination