[Application of cluster analysis to the classification of Radix scutellariae]

Ten samples of Radix Scutellariae from different habitats were analyzed by thin layer chromatography. From the analysis numerical characteristic features were obtained that represent the quality difference of samples. All of the multivariate data were treated with mathematic method of cluster analysis. Scutellaria bai alensis included in Chinese Pharmacopoeia was clearly differentiated from the other four varieties of herbs (S. rehderiana, S. viscidula, S. amoena, S. likiangensis).