ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the infrared (IR) fingerprint spectra of Coptis chinensis for different parts, ages, and heights, and to analyze the integrate rules about the content of berberine component in Coptis chinensis for different parts, ages, and heights.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was applied to detect the infrared spectra of Coptis chinensis samples rapidly and non-separately.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The IR spectra of the root, leafstalk, and fibre of Coptis chinesis have their unique features. The content of berberine component in Coptis chinensis was different for different parts and the sequence: root > leafstalk > fibre. When Coptis chinensis grows, the content of berberine component in leafstalk also increases. The content of berberine component in leafstalk which planting in 1 200 m was less than that in 1 300, 1 400, and 1 500 m. The ages and heights provide no obvious influences on the content of berberine in the root of Coptis chinensis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Using FTIR spectroscopy, the quality of Coptis chinensis can be controlled, which provides a useful method for the standardized planting of Coptis chinensis.</p>