Evaluation of mineral element contents in Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis from Southwest China

Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis is known to be used as medicine for anti-cancer and traumatic injuries. The present investigation was carried out to estimate the mineral elements in P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis collected from different locations of South West China by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The contents of its mineral elements were found in the order of Ca > K > Mg > Fe > Na > Cu > Mn > Zn > Cr. The content levels of some elements, such as Cr, Cu, Ca and Mn in the samples were usually affected by environmental conditions, whereas the contents of Mg and K were rather stable in the same species or variety. The contents of the most determined elements in P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis is different from other medicinal species in genus Paris .