ABSTRACT
Objective: To identify and comprehensively evaluate Cynomorium songaricum from different producing areas in order to provide reference for the quality evaluation of C. songaricum and the determination of the suitability of the origin. Methods: A total of 40 samples from five provinces (regions) were collected to measure the content of gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, catechins, total polysaccharides, total flavonoids, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Co, Sr, Ni, Ag, Ba, Ti, Cu, Pb, Cr, Cd, As, and Hg. The data reflecting the quality of C. songaricum were analyzed by orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and entropy weight TOPSIS analysis. Results: The contents of Mn, Zn, Co, catechin, Pb, Cr, Ca, Ti, total flavonoids, protocatechuic acid, Mg and Cu in C. songaricum are important for distinguishing different producing areas. The quality of C. songaricum in Inner Mongolia was the best in all provinces (regions), followed by Gansu, Ningxia, Xinjiang, and Qinghai Provinces. Conclusion: The results of OPLS-DA combined with entropy weight TOPSIS analysis are reasonable, objective and effective, and can be applied to the comprehensive evaluation of multiple indicators of C. songaricum.