Abstract: This study was to explore separation and antioxidant activity of seven xanthones components from Swertia Punicea Hemsl.Column chromatography and recrystallization were used for separation,NMR,UV and MS spectroscopic methods were used for structure identification;Using Vc and BHT as positive controls,free radical scavenging ability of xanthones components from Swertia Punicea Hemsl was determined by DPPH· method and IC₅₀ of each compound was calculated. Scavenging ability of seven compounds had dose-effect relationship with concentration in a certain concentration range;scavenging ability on DPPH radical of 1,3,7,8-tetrahydroxy xanthones,1,5,8-trihydroxy-3-methoxy xanthones, 2-D-glucopyranosyl-1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxy xanthones were stronger than Vc;others are lower than Vc and BHT sderiving from the IC₅₀. 1,3,7,8-tetrahydroxy xanthones,1,5,8-trihydroxy-3-methoxy xanthones,2-D-glucopyranosyl-1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxy xanthones, having strong antioxidant activities,can be used as effective natural free radical scavenger and has great prospects for development and utilization.

Key words: Swertia Punicea Hemsl, xanthones, separation, antioxidant activity, DPPH·