Objective: To explore the utility of Principal Factor Analysis (PFA) in chromatographic data for quality control.
Method: Chromatographic fingerprints of processed root pieces of Paeonia lactiflora were determined by HPLC, the PFA was used for data processing.
Result: The quantitative differences among different growing areas and different processing batches were found with the method.
Conclusion: The method could be used in quality control for monitoring between-batch products of traditional Chinese pharmaceutical process.