Abstract: AIM: To establish HPLC and HPCE methods for determination of 3 bio-active alkaloids (morphine, codeine and papaverine) in the Chinese drug Pericarpium Papaveris, and to evaluate the quality of the drug. METHODS: HPLC system includes ODS column, 0.5% ammonium acetate — 1% triethylamine — methanol (49∶1∶50) and UV detection (230 nm). HPCE system includes a 50 μm (ID) × 47 cm (effective length is 39.4 cm) capillary, 80 mmol.L^-1 SDS — 60 mmol.L^-1 borax (0.8 mol.L^-1 boric acid adjusted to pH 7.8) — 10% methanol and UV detection (241 nm). RESULTS: From the contents of the 3 bio-active alkaloids in Pericarpium Papaveris it was suggested that the quality of the Chinese drug Pericarpium Papaveris should contain morphine, codeine, and papaverine not less than 0.04%, 0.02% and 0.01%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The two methods prove to be accurate, precise and sensitive, and can be used for the determination of 3 bio-active alkaloids in Pericarpium Papaveris. The two methods and the quality evaluation can be referred for the Chinese Pharmacopeia Commission and institutes for drug control.