Abstract
Objective : This study aimed to compare the difference between $Angelica$ $decursiva$, Peucedanum $praeruptorum$ and $Anthriscus$ $sylvestris$ which have been used as herbal medicine, Jeonho (Angelicae Decursivae Radix) in Korea and provided the evidence to exclude $A.$ $sylvestris$ not to use as Joenho. Methods : The similarities of original medicinal herb with samples from local market were evaluated including morphological appearance and chromatographic fingerprint. In addition, relation between original medicinal herb and local samples were analyzed using statistical clustering methods. Results : $A.$ $decursiva$, $P.$ $praeruptorum$ and $A.$ $sylvestris$ represented different morphological appearances and chromatographic fingerprint. Several samples from China exhibited similar morphological and chromatographic appearance with $A.$ $decursiva$ or $P.$ $praeruptorum$. Eleven samples from Korea showed identical similarity to $A.$ $sylvestris$. Conclusions : Since $A.$ $sylvestris$ represented obvious differences compared to $A.$ $decursiva$ and $P.$ $praeruptorum$, it is required not to use $A.$ $sylvestris$ as medicinal herb, Jeonho. Additionally, exact identification and quality control must be applied to $A.$ $decursiva$ or $P.$ $praeruptorum$ from China in order to maintain therapeutical efficacy.