Objective: To investigate the antioxidant activities of the different polarity extracts from the aerial parts and the root of Salvia deserta. Method: 95% alcohol extract of the aerial parts and the root of S. deserta were partitioned in petroleum ether

ethyl acetate and n-butanol orderly to obtain corresponding extracts and water layer. Different extracts were configured to the appropriate concentrations of solution. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined by 1

1-diphenyl-2-pieryl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and O2-·radical scavenging and Fe3+ reduction capacity experiments in vitro. The results were compared with those of positive control Vitamin C (Vc) then. Result: All of the extracts showed stronger free radical scavenging activity than that of Vitamin C

and the free radical scavenging activity of alcohol extract from the aerial parts (DPPH·IC50 0.039 g·L-1

O2-·IC50 0.130 g·L-1) was stronger than that of the root (DPPH·IC50 0.160 g·L-1

O2-·IC50 0.160g·L-1). The order of reduction power of Fe3+ was:different polarity extracts of the root > Vc> that of the aerial parts. Conclusion: All of the extracts showed antioxidant activity

suggesting that the aerial parts of S. deserta can replace the root for use. The study provided a scientific basis for the rational development of S. deserta.