Daehwang (Rheum tauguticum) was extracted by methanol, and the antimicrobial activities of the extract, against some food hazardous microorganisms, were investigated by the paper disc method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract against the microorganisms was determined, and the extract components were analyzed by GC/MS. The Daehwang extract showed the strongest antimicrobial effect against P. aeruginosa. The MICs on S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and S. typhimurium were 250, 300 and 300mg/㎖, respectively. In the methanol extracts from Daehwang, 120 different compounds were separated, with the extraction yield of the phenolic compounds being relatively high (29.85%). Substances with antimicrobial activity, such as 2-methoxy-phenol and 4-vinyl-2-methoxy-phenol were detected in the study.