Objective: To investigate the distribution characteristics and correlation of inorganic element contents in Alismatis Rhizoma and rhizospheric soils from three habitats (Jianou, Fujian; Guangchang, Jiangxi; Pengshan, Sichuan).
Methods: The inorganic element contents were detected with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
Results: The results showed that inorganic element contents in Alismatis Rhizoma from different habitats presented regular distribution characteristics. In all samples, the contents of S, P, K, Mg and Ca were relatively high. The contents of S, P, K, Fe, Mg, Ca, Al and Zn in Alismatis Rhizoma from Fujian with low-content harmful heavy metal were more than those of other two places. Alismatis Rhizoma from different habitats showed remarkable ability to enrich P, S, Zn, Mg and Cu, especially to P and S. The contents of inorganic element in Alismatis Rhizoma and rhizosperic soil showed certain correlation.
Conclusion: These results provide scientific evidence for artificial modification of effective components biosynthesis in Alisma orientalis, and it could also provide a reference for forming mechanism of genuine characteristics and quality of Alismatis Rhizoma.