Abstract: For the rational exploitation and utilization of peony flowers in Lianyungang, the polyphenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides and trace elements contents in the peony flowers at different blossoming stages were extracted and measured individually. Meanwhile, antioxidant activities were measured by DPPH· method. The results showed that the flower bud contains the highest amounts of polyphenols (63.55 mg/g) and Zn (176 μg/g), and the flavonoids content contained in primal flower is the highest , reaching 17.01mg/g. Fe content is the highest in withering flower, but average Cu content is 748.8μg/g in the peony flowers at different blossoming stages. The antioxidant activities of all four extacts are strong.

Key words: peony flower, active constituent, flavonoids, polyphenols, trace elements