Isoorientin, isoorientin-4'-0-glucoside, gentiopicrin, xanthones with 1,3,5,8 or 1,3,7,8-oxidation pattern have been isolated from five North American Gentiana species (G. a&is, G. a&da, G. calycosa, G. detonsa, G. strictfflora) and one South American species (G. cerastioides). Separations were achieved with droplet counter-current chromatography (DCCC) or centrifugally accelerated preparative TLC. The distribution of the isolated compounds within the genus is discussed.