Abstract: In order to select the appropriate Paulownia leaf material,and make full and effective use of resources,the content variations of ursolic acid and oleanolic acid in Paulownia leaves were determined in different Paulownia species,with different raw material storage methods and different harvest times by HPLC.The results showed that the leaves of Paulownia fortunei (Seem.) Hemsl.had the highest contents of ursolic acid and oleanolic acid,followed by the leaves of Paulownia elongata S.Y.Hu,while the contents of ursolic acid and oleanolic acid were significantly lower in Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud.leaves.Air-dried Paulownia leaves showed higher contents of ursolic acid and oleanolic acid than fresh leaves and refrigerated leaves.From May,the contents of ursolic acid and oleanolic acid in Paulownia leaves monthly increased,reaching the highest in October.

Key words: Paulownia leaves, HPLC, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid