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Multi-component determination and bioassays used for the quality control of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may have certain shortcomings. The effect-constituent index (ECI) is a quality evaluation index weighted by chemical composition analysis and effect detection. This index can be established by the dose-effect relationship of the active ingredients in TCM. In this study, Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (PY) was selected as the representative drug. Chemical evaluation and bioactivity evaluation were combined to establish the ECI, to compensate for the deficiency of a single evaluation method to some extent, and can be related to the efficacy of PY, in order to improve its quality standard. The ECI not only reflects the contribution of component content to the quality of PY, but also relates to clinical efficacy and reflects the influence of different components on the biological activity. Moreover, this study provided a reference method for the quality control of other TCMs. [Display omitted] • The effect-constituent index was applied to Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis. • The results of chemical analysis and biological evaluation were combined. • Reflect contribution of component content and impact of components on bioactivity. • Provide a reference method for the quality control of other TCMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]