Potentially Toxic Elements Accumulation and Health Risk Evaluation in Different Parts of Traditional Chinese Medicinal Materials

This study systematically analyzed commercially available traditional Chinese medicines for As, Hg, Pb, Cd, and Cu, classifying them into roots and rhizomes (underground parts), stems and leaves, whole herbs, flowers, fruits and seeds (aboveground parts), and animal-derived decoction pieces. The concentration ranges of five elements in underground parts were 0~7.09, 0~0.29, 0~4.1, 0~1.1 and 0~49.2 mg/kg, with exceedance rates of 0-2.3%. Aboveground parts showed ranges of 0~1.54, 0~1.02, 0~13, 0~0.96 and 0~43.4 mg/kg, with exceedance rates of 0-8.8%. Animal-derived decoction pieces showed ranges of 0.07~27.18, 0~1, 0~55, 0~4.11 and 0.23~43.9 mg/kg, with exceedance rates of 6.7-41.3%. Principal component and cluster analyses indicated distinct contamination sources between animal-derived and plant-derived materials. The pollution index showed that animal-derived materials required special attention. Among plant-derived materials, <i>Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma</i>, and <i>Artemisiae Argyi Folium</i> were also of concern. Health risk assessment indicated low non-carcinogenic risks across all categories (<i>HI</i> < 1), and uncertainty analysis showed a 0% probability of <i>HI</i> > 1. The 95th percentile carcinogenic risk for all categories was <1 × 10^-4. Sensitivity analysis identified metal concentrations and daily intake as key uncertainty contributors. The findings underscore distinct contamination patterns between material types, highlighting the need for targeted control strategies, including strengthened source management and standardized dosing.