Objective: Quantitative determination of total polysaccharides (TP) and water-soluble polysaccharides (WP) in Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma with red or white transverse section from 26 collection sites. The antioxidant activities of TP and WP were determined. Method: The content of TP and WP were determined by anthrone-sulfuric acid method;DPPH (1

1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging method was used for evaluation the antioxidant capacity of TP and WP with ascorbic acid as positive contrast. Result: In red transverse section

the content of TP and WP were 1.897 3%-11.680 9% and 0.048 0%-1.863 4%

while in white transverse section were 7.957 5%-81.681 0% and 0.413 2%-7.963 9%. TP and WP showed some scavenging activities on DPPH radical. The IC50 values were in order of ascorbic acid (0.033 4 g · L-1)-1)-1)-1)-1). Conclusion: The contents of TP and WP were significantly different between red and white transverse section of Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma

but the contents of TP and WP were not positively related with antioxidant effect. It laid a foundation for the rational exploration and utilization of Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma medicinal resources.