ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To study the distribution and correlation of 15 inorganic elements, which are Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Se, Sn, Pb and Zn, in 10 kinds of Chinese medicinal materials(Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, Carthami Flos, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus, Crataegi Fructus,Moutan Cortex, Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex, Centellae Herba, Menthae Haplocalycis Herba, Bombyx Batryticatus, Pheretima). METHODS: The levels of 15 inorganic elements in 10 kinds of Chinese Medicinal Materials were determined by ICP-MS and ICP-OES with microwave digestion for sample preparation, and the results were analyzed with SPSS15.0. RESULTS: Some residues of heavy metals in the Chinese Medicinal Materials overstepped the limits. The levels of almost all kinds of inorganic elements in Pheretima and Centellae Herba were relatively higher than others. The levels of Al and Ba in several batches were evidently and singularly higher than others in the same kind of Chinese Medicinal Materials. Besides Ba, Hg and Pb, the levels of other 12 inorganic elemens showed extremely significant positive correlation. Cu/Zn radio in those Chinese Medicinal Materials with cardiovascular effects were higher than others. CONCLUSION: To ensure the quality and safety, it is necessary to strengthen the supervision and control of the levels of some inorganic elements in Chinese medicinal materials. Copyright 2012 by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.