Multielements determination and metal transfer investigation in herb medicine Bupleuri Radix by inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry

Abstract

Bupleuri Radix is a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and an important raw material in TCM patent prescriptions. It is widely used in several countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, and America. However, the impact of heavy metal transfer rules on TCMs remains unknown. In this study, a total of 45 paired original medicines (OMs), decoction pieces (DPs), and vinegar‐processed (VPs) samples were simultaneously determined via inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry after a microwave digestion. The concentrations of the elements were shown at three levels: (a) Al and Fe at the mg/g level; (b) Pb, Cu, Ba, Mn, Cr, and Ni at the mg/kg level; (c) Co, As, Cd, and Hg at μg/kg level. It is worth noting that the Cu levels were found to exceed the maximum concentration set by Chinese legislation (20.0 mg/kg). In addition, Mn, Ni, and Cu levels were higher in samples from the Gansu province than those from other provinces. The accumulation of the heavy metals decreased in the order of OMs > DPs > VPs; this was especially true for the Al and Fe levels. Furthermore, the results indicate that decocting the samples may reduce the intake of heavy metals. The element transfer ratios for decoctions were under 50% compared to herbal medicines and decreased in the order of Co > As > Mn > Hg > other metals. Our study strongly suggests that long‐term and regular monitoring for heavy metals in the plant is necessary.

Lead and cadmium biosorption from milk by Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356

“…The instrument was checked by the aqueous multielement before each experiment. First, the prepared samples were digested by the microwave with a MPR‐600 rotor (at 35 bar and 260°C) (Khan et al., 2014; Li et al., 2018).…”

Comparative Effect of Aqueous and Methanolic Bupleuri Radix Extracts on Hepatic Uptake of High-Density Lipoprotein and Identification of the Potential Target in HFD-Fed Mice

“…A characteristic fingerprint method using high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC-DAD) was developed to profile and compare the components in aqueous and methanolic extraction of Bupleuri Radix and also for quality control of the extract samples [13]. Analysis was performed on a Shimadzu high-performance liquid chromatography system equipped with an LC-20AT pump, a vacuum degasser, an SIL-20A automatic sampler, a CTO-10AS VP column oven, and an SPD-M20A detector connected to LC Solution software.…”