Objective: To compare the content of effective components of Bupleurum marginatum from Northwest Hubei Province before and after processing by different methods. Method: The total saponins and volatile oil from B. marginatum processing with honey

wine and vinegar were extracted and the content of effective components was determined by UV-visible spectrophotometry. Result: The content of the total saponins and volatile oil of B.marginatum before and after processing by different methods had many sign changes. The content of the total saponins of B.marginatum increased after processing with honey roasted

but decreased after processing with wine and vinegar. The content varies in different processing methods

the consequent succession was as follows:processing with honey roasted>crude drug>processing with vinegar>processing with wine. The order of the content of total saponins was as follows:2.037 5%

1.519 6%

1.317 4% and 1.127 4%. The content of volatile oil of B.marginatum increased after processing by different methods. The result was as follows:processing with honey roasted>processing with wine>processing with vinegar>crude drug. The order of the content of total saponins was as follows:0.736%

0.689%

0.630% and 0.395%. Conclusion: The content of effective components of B.marginatum changed in varying degrees after processing

and it can be trusted that the B.marginatum was processed by different methods for medical purpose.