Content Changes of Total Gypenosides in Gynostemma pentagynum Z.P.Wang across Different Habitats and Seasons

The total gypenoside contents of Gynostemma pentagynum Z.P.Wang in three habitats such as Wulingyuan,Jishou and Baojing were determined.The results showed that the differences between the highest and lowest contents of total gypenosides in the stems and leaves of the plant from the different habitats were 17.3 folds and 14.2 folds,respectively.For each habitat,the contents of total gypenosides in the stems and leaves revealed an increasing trend with prolonged seasonal growth period.In addition,the contents of total gypenosides in the leaves of G.pentagynum Z.P.Wang were higher than those in the stems during different growth periods.