Objective To explore the solvent effect on the chromatographic retention performance by RP-HPLC in traditional Chinese medicine analysis.Methods Five traditional Chinese medicines were selected to determin by HPLC according to the requirements of each medicinal content determination item in Chinese pharmacopoeia(Vol.Ⅰ,2020),they were gentiopicroside-Radix gentianae,syringin-Acanthopanax enticosus,rosin diglucoside-Eucommia ulmoides,aesculin-Fraxinus Cortex,and adenosine-Cordyceps sinensis respectively.The effect of sample solvent in RP-HPLC was explored preliminarily on the chromatographic peak abnormalities and some solutions were proposed.Results The abnormal chromatographic retention behavior of the five traditional Chinese medicine components were characterized by retention time drift,peak broadening,extending and splitting,the fundamental reason for the above abnormal phenomenons was that there was a certain mismatch between the sample solvent and the mobile phase,leading to different existing forms of the sample between the sample solvent and the mobile phase(Solvent Effect).The results showed that the mobile phase or similar to mobile phase solution was a preferred method to reduce and eliminate solvent effect.In addition,reducing the injection volume or using the solvent effect eliminator can also be used as auxiliary means.Conclusion Solvent effect can cause abnormal peak shape,and had an influence on the accuracy of qualitative and quantitative results,it should be taken seriously in daily Chinese medicine analysis work.