ABSTRACT
Objective To establish the main component analysis method of commodity grade Polygala tenuifolia, and to explore the correlation between the grade character of P. tenuifolia and the main chemistry. Methods P. tenuifolia of four markets were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to analyze the different level of medicine and explore the correlation between commodity grade and composition for P. tenuifolia. Results The main components determination of P. tenuifolia in different market grades were not completely consistent with the grade of commodity. Conclusion There are certain limitations of the commodity grading standards for P. tenuifolia in the medicinal materials market. It is necessary to establish a new grade quality standard for accurately evaluating the quality of P. tenuifolia. This study also provides some reference for the comprehensive quantitative evaluation of P. tenuifolia.