Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to determine and compare the functional components (total protein, total fat, amino acids, total polysaccharides, total flavonoids and total phenolics as well as five unique anthraquinones, alismoxide, alismol, alisol B, alisol B 23-acetate and 11-deoxy-alisol B) for medicinal and food purposes of different parts (edible flower buds, leaves and stems; medicinal tubers) of Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juzep. in order to provide a basis for the application of these plant parts in health and functional foods. Methods: The contents of total amino acids, protein, fat and total polyphenols were determined by the methods specified in the national standards. The contents of total polysaccharides and total flavonoids were determined by the sulfuric acid-phenol method and the NaNO2-NaOH-Al(NO3)3 ultraviolet spectrophotometric method, respectively. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was applied to determine alismoxide, alismol, alisol B, alisol B 23-acetate and 11-deoxy-alisol B. Results: Each of the plant parts contained protein, fat, amino acids and other bioactive ingredients tested. The contents of total protein, amino acid, fat and polyphenol in flower buds were (328.0 ± 19.1), (219.7 ± 10.5), (48.0 ± 11.5), and (17.63 ± 0.60) mg/g) respectively, higher than those in the other parts. The contents of polysaccharides, flavonoids and bioactive terpenoids were higher in tubers, (9.26 ± 0.86), (2.07 ± 0.12), and (5.315 ± 0.545) mg/g), respectively. The content of each component in stems and leaves was relatively low. Conclusion: All tested parts of A.orientale contain bioactive ingredients for medicinal and food purposes. Its flower buds are rich in various nutrients and thus have great development potential.

Key words: nutrients; bioactive constituents; flower buds of Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juzep.; ultra-high performance liquid chromatography