Object To develop a method for the distinction of genuine Gastrodia elata B1 from its four falsified plants of common occurrence and determination of its active principle, gastrodin by capillary electrophoresis Methods The electrophoretic conditions were a buffer solution containing 24 mmol/L borate (pH=9 4), at a voltage of 16 kV Results The electrophorograms obtained under the above conditions showed easily distinguishable differences Baseline separation of gastrodin was achieved and its quant...