Objective: By establishing HPLC fingerprint of propolis

to evaluate the quality differences of propolis from different areas

and provide experimental evidence for appropriate choice of raw propolis origins. Method: The fingerprints of 14 batches of propolis from four main producing areas were determined by HPLC method

and the fingerprints were compared for similarity by using "Traditional Chinese Medicine Chromatographic Fingerprint Similarity Evaluation System" (2004 A) issued by Chinese Pharmacopoeia commission and cluster analysis. Result: The common mode for propolis fingerprints was established

and 12 common fingerprint peaks were identified;the similarity was greater than 0.90 in 9 batches of the 14 batches of propolis medicinal herbs

indicating that propolis fingerprints had both similarities and differences either from different main producing areas or different fields within the same producing area. Conclusion: This method is reproducible

precise and steady

and it can be used for quality control and origin identification of propolis medicinal herbs.