Elemental Profiling and mapping analysis of the Excreta of Trogopterus xanthipes (Wulingzhi) Collected from Different Regions using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Multivariate Statistical Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Inorganic element content is an important quality and origin indicator for herbs. The excreta of Trogopterus xanthipes (“Wulingzhi” in Chinese; WLZ) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine that has been widely used to treat amenorrhea, menstrual pain, and postpartum abdominal pain for thousands of years. However, there has been less emphasis on the analysis of trace element content in WLZ. This study aimed to investigate the elemental characteristics of WLZ obtained from different regions (Shānxi, Shănxi, Hubei, Hebei) and perform a risk and benefit analysis to assess its quality and safety. Thirty elements in sixty batches of WLZ and their products processed with vinegar (V-WLZ) were compared using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Multivariate statistical techniques, including principal component analysis (PCA), correlation analysis, elemental mapping analysis, and metal pollution index (MPI) analysis, were applied to interpret the data. The box plots showed a heterogeneous distribution of almost all analyzed elements, indicating significant differences between the samples. This is the first study to provide the reference values for major, trace, and toxic elements in WLZ. Furthermore, the results revealed that the average value of heavy-MPI in V-WLZ (2.030) was slightly lower than that in WLZ (2.096). Combining the PCA data and the inorganic element spectra, we identified Fe, Al, Cu, Se, Pb, Rb, V, K, P, (Na), Cr, As, and Ni as the characteristic elements of WLZ and V-WLZ.