title: Determination of trace elements in Jinqi, a traditional Chinese medicine.
abstract: We have determined the trace element composition of Jingi, a common remedy used in traditional Chinese medicine, using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The concentration of the trace elements analyzed in this medicine decreases in the order: zinc > manganese > chromium > magnesium > copper > iron > lead > nickel > vanadium. We suggest that these trace elements may play a direct or indirect role in the hypoglycemic properties of Jinqi. The three plants used as main ingredients in the preparation of this recipe should be planted in a lead-free soil rich in zinc, manganese, chromium, magnesium, and vanadium.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, People's Republic of China. biobook2@sohu.com
authors.forename: Chunchao
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Jia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Qiusha
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Hui
mesh_terms: D002857:Chromium / Q000032:analysis; D003300:Copper / Q000032:analysis; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000032:analysis*; D007501:Iron / Q000032:analysis; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis; D008345:Manganese / Q000032:analysis; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional; D009532:Nickel / Q000032:analysis; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis*; D014639:Vanadium / Q000032:analysis; D015032:Zinc / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; C529953:Jinqi; D014131:Trace Elements; D014639:Vanadium; D002857:Chromium; D007854:Lead; D008345:Manganese; D003300:Copper; D009532:Nickel; D007501:Iron; D015032:Zinc