To search alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from Rubia cordifolia.The alpha-glucosidase inhibitors were isolated by the column chromatographic techniques and the bioassay-guided method in vitro. A combination of MS and NMR spectroscopy was used to identify the chemical structures. The inhibitory kinetics of the inhibitors were also investigated.The chloroform extract showed high inhibitory activity, and three active compounds were isolated and identified as 1,3-dihydroxy-2-methylanthraquinone (1), 1-hydroxy-2-methylanthraquinone (2) and 1,2-dihydroxyanthraquinone (3). The IC5o values of compound 1-3 were all lower than that of acarbose. Compound 1 and 2 shown competitive type manner on alpha-glucosidase, whereas compound 3 shown noncompetitive type model.Compounds 1-3 as strong inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase were reported for the first time.