The FTIR spectra of Tripterygium hypoglaucum Hutch (THH) and Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb were studied.The result shows that the two herbs have different ratio of main substance calcium oxalate and dulcitol,so their absorption frequency and form are different as well.In addition,there is an obvious difference between Celastrus orbiculatus stem and root,and both the peak forms of calcium oxalate and dulcitol in the FTIR spectra of roots are sharper and stronger than those of stems.Therefore FTIR can be a fast and reliable method to identify THH and Celastrus orbiculatus.