To establish an HPLC fingerprint of Viola yedoensis using HPLC technology, evaluate the quality of 10 batches of Viola yedoensis combined with cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA), and study its anti-inflammatory mechanism.

A Waters Symmetry C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) was used with a mobile phase of acetonitrile -0.1% phosphoric acid aqueous solution; flow rate: 0.8 mL·min^-1; injection volume: 10 μL; column temperature: 30 ℃; detection wavelength: 353 nm. The anti-inflammatory effect was observed using the ear swelling method, and the levels of PGE₂, IL -6, and TNF-α in serum were detected.

The HPLC fingerprint of 10 batches of Viola yedoensis was successfully established, with 10 common peaks identified. The similarities were all higher than 0.990. Two common peaks were identified as cichoriin (2.44 ± 1.11) mg·g^-1 and esculetin (10.50 ± 1.57) mg·g^-1. The 10 batches of samples were classified into two categories by chemical pattern recognition methods. The aqueous decoction of Viola yedoensis could inhibit ear swelling in mice and reduce the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and PGE₂ in serum.

This study successfully established the HPLC fingerprint of 10 batches of Viola yedoensis and found that its anti-inflammatory mechanism may be related to the inhibition of TNF-α, IL-6, and PGE₂ expression, providing a scientific basis and pharmacodynamic support for the quality control and clinical application of Viola yedoensis.