Objective: To compare HPLC fingerprints of organic acids in Gardeniae Fructus at different collecting stages for determining the dynamic changes of these compounds. Method: The chromatographic separations were obtained on a Kromasil C18 column (4.6 mm×250 mm

5 μm) with a gradient elution using the mobile phase consisting of 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1.0 mL·min-1. The detection wavelength was set at 327 nm

and the column temperature was 40 ℃. The HPLC fingerprints were analyzed by similarity evaluation analysis to conduct the chemical pattern recognition. Result: Using the established reference fingerprint of Gardeniae Fructus as standard

all sample fingerprints for green

yellow and red Gardeniae Fructus were evaluated

with the ranges of similarity 0.94-1.00

0.81-0.92 and 0.53-0.74

respectively. Conclusion: The study offers the basis of quality control of Gardeniae Fructus and the realization of good agricultural practice.