OBJECTIVETo establish the characteristic fingerprint of Zanthoxylum nitidum by HPLC, and to provide a reference for the quality control of Z. nitidum in the market.

METHODThe established HPLC characteristic fingerprint of Z. nitidum, combined with similarity evaluation and system clustering analysis method, were applied to distinguish 25 batches of samples purchased from market preliminarily, to identify the authenticity and quality of Z. nitidum ingredients.

RESULTIn the 25 batches of samples purchased from market, only 8 batches were identified as genuine with good quality, 7 batches were identified as defective, 7 batches were identified as common counterfeit Toddalia asiatica, and 3 batches were identified as counterfeit.

CONCLUSIONThis method is accurate, convenient and reliable. It can be used for identification and quality control of Z. nitidum ingredients.