Objective: To investigate the germplasm distribution of genus Epimedium in Hubei province

systemically evaluate the quality and achieve sustainable utilization and development of resources. Method: The germplasm of Epimedium in Hubei province was determined by reviewing the literature

specimen and monograph

as well as field investigation. Population samples collected at full-bloom stage were used for the subsequent quality evaluation based on epimedin A

epimedin B

epimedin C and icariin. Result: According to the record of relative literature

specimens and our field investigation

24 species and 1 variety of Epimedium may be expected in Hubei. However

due to the frequent revision and description of this genus

and some endemic species were easily affected by habitat origins

only 11 species were collected in field investigation. The quality evaluation showed that E.sagittatum was the first class

followed by E.mikiorii

E.dolichostemon and E.wushanense. E.sutchuenense had low concentration of the above four ingredients. While the four ingredients were not detected in E.epsteinii

E. franchetii

E. zhushanense

E.leptorrhizum

E.baojingense and E.brachyrrhizum. In addition

there was significant difference between populations in both E.dolichostemon and E. sagittatum. Conclusion: Due to the changes of taxonomic treatment and natural habitat

it is time to update the germplasm information. Hubei province is rich in natural Epimedium resources. Most species that were not recorded in Chinese pharmacopoeia have inferior quality

but E. mikiorii and E. dolichostemon have better quality

whose excellent population may be used as candidate germplasm for introduction and acclimatization.