Rheum tanguticum from the same area was divided into 8 types of variation according to the plant morphology, content differences of free anthraquinones, combined anthraquinones, double anthrone were studied. The results showed that the functional components of different variation types were significantly different. The average content of free anthraquinone combined anthraquinone was 2.10-6.71 and 15.43-22.04 mg•g⁻¹, respectively. The average content of sennoside A plus sennoside B was 32.88-42.36 mg•g⁻¹. There were significant differences among the difference of 10 kinds of active components, except for sennoside B and physcion glycoside. Interred with the content and proportion of functional components, type B and type E might be potential special medicinal germplasm for diarrhea attack product, type G and type H might be a potential special medicinal germplasm for clearing heat and detoxifing, type C and type F might be potential special medicinal germplasm for activating blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis, type A and type D might be potential special medicinal germplasm with anastaltic funtion. The conclusion laid the foundation for the directional cultivation of fine varieties of special purpose of rhubarb.