0.9997) over the tested ranges. The intra- and inter-day precisions as determined from sample solutions were both less than 2.45% and 2.78%, respectively. The average recoveries for the eight constituents ranged from 94.77% to 101.35% with RSD £ 4.41%. The newly-developed method was applied to the quality assessment of various R. chingii samples, including both ripe and unripe fruits of R. chingii from different habitats. Conclusion The relative levels of the investigated compounds vary remarkably in the fruits of R. chingii collected from different habitats. As only two of the eight compounds, adenosine and ellagic acid, are determined in the ripe fruits of R. chingii, the results may explain the reason why only the unripe fruits can be used in CMM."/>