Market samples of three stem origin herbal drugs viz. Cinnamomum verum Presl., Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC) W. & A. and Piper longum L. were studied to assess their quality in respect of identity, purity and strength. The samples were procured from herbal markets of Delhi, Hardwar and Cochin/Trichur. Study is based on specifi c parameters and limits developed by standardising authentic quality specification.