Objective To elucidate the chemical composition differences among various parts of Pugongying (Taraxacum mongolicum), this study compared cultivated and wild T. mongolicum samples, dividing them into three parts: whole plant, above-ground parts, and roots. Methods A Venusil C₁₈chromatographic column was used with acetonitrile-0.2% phosphoric acid as the mobile phase for gradient elution at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, column temperature of 30 °C, and detection wavelength of 330 nm. A fingerprint spectrum of T. mongolicum medicinal materials was established, and the contents of six components (monocaffeoyl tartaric acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, isochlorogenic acid C, and chicoric acid) were determined in different parts. The collected fingerprint spectrum data were analyzed using similarity evaluation, cluster analysis (CA), and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Results The T. mongolicum fingerprint spectrum identified nine common peaks, with six major chemical components confirmed and five primary differential components screened. Quantitative analysis revealed significant differences in chemical composition content between T. mongolicum roots compared to whole plant and above-ground parts. Conclusion This method is simple, reliable, and highly reproducible. The comprehensive quality evaluation model provides objective analytical results suitable for holistic quality assessment of T. mongolicum medicinal materials. This study enriches research on quality analysis of T. mongolicum and offers evidence for future development, quality standardization, and clinical application.

Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.  /  cultivation  /  Wild  /  HPLC fingerprint  /  chlorogenic acid  /  caffeic acid  /  ferulic acid  /  isochlorogenic acid C  /  chicoric acid