Objective: To set up the hierarchical cluster analysis of quality evaluation index of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex with different grades

and standardize its quality standard. Method: Contents of water soluble extract

alcohol soluble rxtract

volatile oil

magnolol and honokiol in Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex from different origin and different ages with the same origin were determined

then them were investigated by cluster analysis. Result: Contents of water soluble extract

alcohol soluble extract

volatile oil and total phenol were positively correlated with the level of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex.By the analysis of hierarchical cluster

the three hierarchies were be proposed

such as premium grade with thickness of 4-6 mm

volatile oil content >0.7%

water soluble extract >10%

alcohol soluble extract >20%

total content of magnolol and honokiol >15%;the second grade with thickness of 2-4 mm

volatile oil content >0.35%

water soluble extract >5%

alcohol soluble extract >8%

total content of magnolol and honokiol >7%;the third grade with every index was less than the above. Conclusion: There is a certain correlation with traditional grading and quality index evaluation for Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex.