Abstract:Objective: To establish a method used for optimization of harvesting time and determine the best time for harvesting Rumex gmelini. Method: An HPLC method was applied to determinate the contents of seven active constituents(resveratrol, polydatin, chrysophanol 1-glucoside, nepodin, emodin, chrysophanol and physcion)of R. gmelini at different development stage. The result was analyzed by principal component analysis. Result: The accumulation of active constituents showed a regular pattern. Conclusion: The best harvesting time of R. gmelini is early July.