[Spectral analysis of elements in different samples of processed Foeniculum vulgare]

The compositions and contents of chemical compounds in traditional Chinese medicines would be changed after being processed using different methods, and their pharmacological activity may be influenced. ICP-AES, AAS and AFS were the first methods to be used to scan and analyze macro elements, trace elements and heavy metals in Foeniculum vulgare and its nine different processed samples in the present paper, which were correlated with people's health and lives. The experiment results showed that the three kinds of analyzing methods could be used to judge the contents and the changing trend of all elements in traditional Chinese medicine quickly and truly. Thirty two elements were found in F. vulgare, and there were noticeable changes in the contents of some elements in processed samples compared with F. vulgare without processing. These results indicated that there is great relevance between changes in the contends of elements with different processing methods, and auxiliary materials can not only change the contents of elements but also play a role in treating ills with effective constituents. Also, it was firstly found that the content of Hg rose greatly in the experiment, and these showed there was notable potential safety hazard when processed Foeniculum vulgare was used. These experiments widen the application of spectrum analyzing methods in safety evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine.