This study was conducted to investigate the functional composition and antioxidant activity of Cirsium and Carduus genera based on different parts. Leaves of Cirsium setidens Nakai contained 23.66% protein and seeds of Carduus crispus L contained 25.30% lipid. Extraction yields of Cirsium and Carduus genera were higher in leaves than in any other parts of the plants. Total phenolics and total flavonoid content were abundant in extracts of leaves, steam and root of C. japonicum var. ussuriense, and the flower extract of C. setidens Nakai. Silymarin was not found in extracts of Cirsium and Carduus genera. Acacetin was identified in leaf or flower extracts of C. setidens Nakai, or in leaf and steam extracts of C. pendulum Fisch ex DC. Apigenin was identified in the flower extracts of Cirsium and Carduus genera and constituted 7.16 mg/g in C. japonicum var. ussuriense. Cynarin was present at 5.55 mg/g in the seed extract of C. setidens Nakai, and narirutin represented 19.56 mg/g and, 4.18 mg/g of the seed extracts of C. pendulum Fisch ex DC and, Carduus crispus L, respectively. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenger activity was higher in flower extracts of C. setidens Nakai than in the other genera. Photochemiluminescence activity was 2.3 nmol in leaves and flower extracts of C. setidens Nakai and flower extract of Carduus crispus L. Flowers and seeds of C. setidens Nakai shoe potential as new functional materials.