Based on the gray correlation between the peaks in fingerprints and efficacy indicators of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)
using the methods of test of hypothesis and nonparametric estimation
the determination of the critical value of active composition in TCM was investigated.The proposed method eliminates the subjectivity in the traditional process of determining the critical value of active composition in TCM.It provides a quantitative indicator for exploring the active components of TMC.Examples are proved the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.