Genetic diversity and gentiopicroside content of four Gentiana species in China revealed by ISSR and HPLC methods

► The gentiopicroside content of four gentiana were higher than Chinese medical criterion. ► The genetic variants among four species did not significantly relate to the gentiopicroside content. ► These species can be widely cultivated in China. ► This may contribute to meet medicinal market demand, and protect the local wild gentiana resources.