Objective: To verify the promoting gastrointestinal motility activity of Cyperi Rhizoma volatile oil using semi-solid paste method (in vivo) and MTT assay (in vitro). The chemical components of volatile oil were analyzed. Method: Stomach and small intestine propulsion rate of residual semi-solid paste of carbon propelling was used to determine the promoting gastrointestinal motility activity. MTT method was used to investigate the proliferation rate of small intestine smooth muscle cells in vitro. At the same time GC-MS method was used to analyze the components of volatile oil. Result: The rate of stomach and small intestine propulsion were significant differences between high concentration group and control group.Cyperi Rhizoma volatile oil with different concentration presents certain promoting effect to small intestine smooth muscle cells

and showed some concentration-response relationship. 17 ingredients were identified

containing α-cyperone

caryophylene oxide

2(1H)-naphthalenone

3

5

6

7

8

8α-hexahydro-4

8α-dimethyl-6-(1-methylethenyl)

and so on. Conclusion: This study reveals the material base of Cyperi Rhizoma volatile oil promoting gastrointestinal motility is mainly terpenoids

which provide reasonable basis for its clinical application and further research and development.