Profiling metals in Cordyceps sinensis by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract

Cordyceps sinensis (C. sinensis) is a natural product that has diverse nutritional and medicinal values. Since the availability of natural C. sinensis has become limited, its authentication and quality control are of high significance. Herein we report the profiling of metals in C. sinensis by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The analysis reveals that C. sinensis contains a wide array of essential elements, including P, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe, etc. Toxic metals detected are Cd, Pb, and As. In all of the five samples analyzed, the amount of Pb is below 2.0 ppm. The arsenic level in a C. sinensis caterpillar is significantly higher than that in its mycelium and varies from 3.0 to 32 ppm, which is likely due to soil contamination. It is demonstrated for the first time in this work that clustering analysis on the proposed metal profiles consisting of 24 elements is very useful for identifying “abnormal” C. sinensis samples, thus adding another dimension to the effective means for authentication and quality assessment of this highly demanded, precious natural product.