紫草为常用的中药。《药典》将新疆紫草（软紫草）（Arnebia euchroma）、内蒙紫草（黄花软紫草）（A.guttata）作为紫草的来源。其均属软紫草属 Arnebia Forsk.。软紫草属，我国产6种，新疆产5种，分别为：软紫草、黄花软紫草、天山软紫草（A.tschimganica）、硬萼软紫草（A.decumbens）、紫筒花（A.obovata）。目前野生新疆紫草资源迅速濒于枯竭。因此，本课题题旨在通过调查，摸清新疆区域内软紫草属植物资源家底，针对这5种植物进行生药学研究、种间遗传多样性分析及DNA barcoding鉴定，用各种提取、分离方法，确定其各类主要化学成分的含量；利用主成分分析对软紫草属的药材主要化学成分、资源品质、质量进行客观的综合比较与评价。采用数值分类法确定植物种间的亲缘关系，评价其潜在的药用价值，为紫草科学、有效用药及扩大《药典》中药紫草新药源奠定基础。

Radix Lithospermi as commonly used in Chinese medicine. Arnebia euchroma and A.guttata was as the source of Radix Lithospermi in Pharmacopoeia.They both belong to Arnebia Forsk. Arnebia Forsk,there are 6 species in China,and 5 species in XinJiang. Were A. euchroma,A.guttata,A.decumbens,A.obovata and A.tschimganica. At present wild Radix Lithospermi resources are quickly on the brink of depletion in Xinjiang. Therefore, through surveys the topics is designed to find out the real situation of the plant species resources in Arnebia in the region of Xinjiang. For these five kinds of plants,to carry out Pharmacognosy studies, Interspecific genetic diversity analysis and DNA barcoding identification studies. Using PCA method to develop the comprehensive comparison and evaluation of herbs of Arnebia, in these aspects,such as Main chemical components, quality of resources and quality of herbs.By the Numerical taxonomy method to determine the phylogenetic relationships among 5 species,and evaluate thier potential medicinal value. It lays the foundation for scientific and effective using of Radix Lithospermi and finding and expanding the source of Radix Lithospermi.