Objective: To detemine the genetic diversity of Coptis chinensis.
Method: 32 germplasmic resources of C. chinensis were analyzed by ISSR molecular markers. To make up the systematic diagram of genetic relationship by TREECONW software and clustered by UPGMA method.
Result: A total of 106 ISSR bands were scored, among which 51 were polymorphic bands. The average percentage of polymorphic bands was 48. 1%. Genetic similarity coefficient were changed from 0. 825 8 to 0. 935 1. By cluster analysis, the geographical distribution is not very obvious, but it was also showed some of the C. chinensis from the same region were in the same group which presented the law of geographical distribution in the tested materials.
Conclusion: Different germplasms diversity of C. chinensis is low and the relationship of C. chinensis is close.