Detection of high levels of arsenic and mercury in some Chinese traditional medicines using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

We examined the mineral contents in Chinese traditional medicines from Japanese or Chinese markets by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, and found extremely high levels of arsenic (N.D.-11.8%) and/or mercury (N.D.-18.8%) in medicines from Chinese markets but not Japanese markets. Such traditional medicines also contained sulfur in high levels, suggesting that these toxic metals present as their respective sulfide. Arsenic was partially eluted with hot water, artificial gastric juice, or artificial intestinal juice from rokushingan (Liushenwan), one of the most famous Chinese medicines. These results suggest that high arsenic-Chinese medicines are harmful to human beings and special attention should be given to traditional medicines in Chinese markets.