Abstract Root and aerial parts flavonoids of 3 Carex L. species: Cariceae Pax. Tribe Cyperaideae Kostel. subfamily and Cyperaceae family [C. divisa Huds., Carex melanostachya M. Bieb. ex Willd. (syn.: C. nutans Host) and C. stenophylla Wahlenb] from Iran were studied using two-dimentional paper chromatography (2-DPC) and thin layer chromatography (TLC). Carex plants are characterized by the production of stilbene derivatives and other bioactive polyphenols including lignans and flavonoids. By this reason they have attracted recent attention as potential food additives. Flavonoids are as one set of the polyphenolic compounds among secondary metabolites that are active principles of medicinal plants, exhibit pharmacological effects and contribute to human health. Collected plants were identified using available references and voucher samples were prepared as herbarium vouchers. Results showed all 3 studied species contain flavone C and C-/O-glycosides in their roots and aerial parts. Flavonoid sulphates were found in all of roots and aerial parts of the studied species with the exception of C. stenophylla root and aerial parts. Aglycones was not found in C. melanostachya aerial parts, where as other samples had. The studied taxa showed variety in their root and aerial parts flavonoids compounds. Rutin, Myricetin, Kaempferol, Loteulin, Narengenin, Apigenin, Morin, Rhamnetin and Chrysin were found in their root or aerial parts, while all of samples lacked Quercetin, Isorhamnetin, Tricin and Vitexin.
