Constructing a “Four in One” fingerprint quality evaluation system of Cistanche Herba

•The first construction of “Four in One” fingerprint system to evaluate Cistanche Herba quality.•The first comparison and analysis of two kinds of Cistanche Herba quality.•The first development and interpretation of 12 characteristic parameters of the DSC curve.•The first exploitation and establishment DSC quantum fingerprint of Cistanche Herba.•Assessing medicine and food homology quality with SQFM by integrating four technologies.