目的探究青川产北柴胡种子的劣变机制,揭示其不耐贮藏的原因。方法采用人工老化的方法处理柴胡种子,并分析老化过程中种子的抗氧化酶活性、电导率和营养物质量变化。结果随老化时间延长,老化种子的过氧化物酶(POD)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、抗氧化酶(CAT)活性持续下降;可溶性糖和可溶性蛋白的量降低,老化3 d后均处于低量水平;种子浸出液电导率下降;经老化处理1 d的种子即已丧失萌发能力。结论青川产北柴胡种子劣变机制包含氧化损伤、膜损伤和营养物质过度消耗3条途径,种子不宜长期贮藏,且贮藏要避免高温、高湿环境。 Objective To explore the mechanism of deterioration of Bupleurum chinensensis seeds in Qingchuan area and reveal the reason of its impatience to storage. Methods The seeds of Bupleurum chinense were treated by artificial aging method, and the changes of antioxidant enzyme activity, electrical conductivity and nutrient contents of seeds during aging were analyzed. Results With the prolongation of aging time, the activities of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and anti-oxidative enzyme (CAT) of aging seeds continued to decline; the content of soluble sugar and soluble protein decreased, At the low level, the conductivity of the seed leachate decreased. The seeds that had been aged for 1 d lost their germination ability. Conclusion The mechanism of seed deterioration of Bupleurum chinense in Qingchuan area includes three ways: oxidative damage, membrane damage and over-consumption of nutrients. Seeds should not be stored for a long time, and the storage should avoid high-temperature and high-humidity environment.