OBJECTIVE: A systematic study of Laggera pterodonta was performed in order to identify its bioactive compounds. METHODS: Solvent partition and column chromatography used to isolate and purify Laggera pterodonta compounds. The isolated compounds were further elucidated by high field NMR spectroscopy. RESULTS: Fifty-two compounds were separated and the structures of 39 compounds were elucidated. Twenty-four compounds have not been previously reported. For example, the structure of compound 19, a previously undetected compound was elucidated as 4gamma, 9alpha,11-triol-enantio-eudesmane using both 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Major secondary metabolites of the Laggera pterodonta included eudesmane-type sesquiterpenes and flavone derivatives. CONCLUSION: A systematic study of a yunnan herbal medicine Laggera pterodonta resvealed several novel compounds that may have clinical significance. Further in vivo animal studies should be performed to assess their bioactive role.