Abstract: To establish optimal extraction technology for the total saponins in Gynostemma pentaphyllum, and prepare the difference of content from different producing areas, and the difference of antioxidant activity. Results showed that the optimal extraction technology was as follow：under 60 ℃, Gynostemma pentaphyllum powder was by reflux extraction in 60% ethanol for 4 times with each time for 2 h. The ratio of sample to extraction solution 1∶10. Total saponin content of Gynostemma pentaphyllum from different producing areas was difference. The highest was Jiangxi, and the lowest was Hubei. The results of DPPH scavenging rate showed that the antioxidant activity of Gynostemma pentaphyllum from different producing areas was difference. The highest was Shaanxi, and the lowest was Sichuan. The results showed that the extraction process was simply, stable and feasible. There was a significant difference in the content of total saponin and antioxidant activity in Gynostemma pentaphyllum from the different areas. It provided certain reference significance for development and further study of the resources in Gynostemma pentaphyllum.

Key words: Gynostemma pentaphyllum（Thunb） Makino, total saponin, antioxidant, extraction technology