Variation in podophylloresin and podophyllotoxin contents in different populations of Podophyllum hexadrum

Podophylloresin and podophyllotoxin contents in rhizomes of Podophyllum hex andrum were analysed with a HPLC system. The concentration of both resin as well as toxin contents varied in different populations, highest being in t he populations collected from alpine regions. The quantities of the resin a nd the toxin contents were high during May-June compared to that in Septemb er-October. Four morphological variants with 1, 2, 3 and 4 leaves at fruit- bearing stage were identified in nature. The resin and the toxin contents w ere highest in plants with one leaf and lowest in those with four leaves, T he results indicate morphological variability as well as variability in the active constituents, which could be explored to obtain superior types.