OBJECTIVE: To study the lifespan effect of ethyl acetate extract from Polygonum multiflora (EPM) on caenorhabditis elegans, and to investigate its anti-aging effect. METHODS: EPM low-concentration, medium-concentration and high- concentration groups (25,37.5,50 mg/L, calculated by crude drug) and blank group (0 mg/L) were established to investigate the effects of EPM on the lifespan of caenorhabditis elegans. EPM group (37.5 mg/L) and blank group (0 mg/L) were established to perform reproductive test, acute heat stress test and acute oxidative stress test of caenorhabditis elegans. The effects of EPM on reproductive capacity and pressure stress of caenorhabditis elegans were investigated. RESULTS: The lifespan test, average lifespan of caenorhabditis elegans in EPM low-concentration, medium-concentration and high-concentration groups were prolonged significantly, compared to blank group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), especially in EPM medium-concentration group. In reproductive test, the number of offspring of caenorhabditis elegans in EPM group on the second and third day were increased significantly, compared to blank group (P<0.05). In acute heat stress test and acute oxidative stress test, average survival time of caenorhabditis elegans in EPM group was prolonged significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 37.5 mg/L EPM can retard the aging process of caenorhabditis elegans and doesn’t damage the reproductive capacity.