Objective: To systematically study the chemical compositions of Rodgersia aesculifolia from Taibai Mountains

and provide theoretical basis for its further pharmacological research. Method: The compounds from R. aesculifolia were isolated and purified by silica gel column chromatography

Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and recrystallization method. Their structures were identified according to their physicochemical properties and spectra analysis. A minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) method was used in antibacterial activity test for the compounds. Result: Eight compounds were isolated and identified as β-sitosterol(1)

bergenin(2)

catechin(3)

p-hydroxybenzoic acid(4)

3β-hydroxyolean-12-en-27-oic acid(5)

gallic acid(6)

succinic acid(7)

and methylmalic acid(8). Conclusion: Compounds 4

5

7 and 8 were isolated from the plant of R. aesculifolia for the first time and compound 5 was first obtained from the genus. Compound 5 showed good inhibitory activities against Escherichia coli

with MIC value of 15.6 mg·L-1.