Objective: To search for the active chemical constituents of Saururus chinensis.
Method: 95% ethanol extracts from the aerial part of Saururus chinensis was mixed with silica gel, and then eluted with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol. On the basis of physicochemical properties and spectroscopic analysis, structures of the compounds obtained were identified.
Results: Eight compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate and methanol parts, and identified as aristolactam A II(I), daucosterol(II), hyperoside(III), isoquercitrin(IV), quercitrin(V), quercitin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside(VI), ellagic acid(VII) and corilagin(VIII) respectively.
Conclusion: Compounds I, II, VI, VII and VIII were found from this plant for the first time.