Objective: To understand the contents of steroidal saponins in Paridis Rhizoma with different growth ages based on numbers of mark of dropped stem bottom. Method: The growing ages of Paridis Rhizoma was identified with the numbers of mark of dropped stem bottom. The contents of polyphyllin Ⅶ

polyphyllin Ⅵ

polyphyllin Ⅴ

polyphyllin Ⅱ and polyphyllin Ⅰ were determined by HPLC. Result: The different batches of samples were divided into the various samples with 3-7

3-8 and 3-9 years based on the numbers of mark of dropped stem bottom. All tested samples are fulfilled with the require of content limit described in the current Chinese Pharmacopoeia

that the total amounts of polyphyllin Ⅶ

polyphyllin Ⅵ

polyphyllin Ⅱ and polyphyllin Ⅰ are not less than 0.6%. Among the five marker constituents

polyphyllin Ⅶ has the highest amount. The contents of steroidal saponins in the samples have a gradually increasing trend

with the growth years increasing. Conclusion: The mark of dropped stem bottom could be considered as a typical character for the traditional quality evaluation system of Paridis Rhizoma.