Objective  To establish a systematic analytical method for multiple inorganic elements in Rhododendron anthopogonoides Maxim. and construct its inorganic elemental fingerprint, aiming to comprehensively evaluate medicinal quality and provide a scientific basis for geographical traceability, quality assessment, and safe clinical application.

Methods  A combined analytical strategy utilizing flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed to determine the contents of 15 inorganic elements (K, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, V, Se, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg) in Rhododendron anthopogonoides Maxim. collected from 13 geographical regions. Principal component analysis (PCA) performed, and an inorganic elemental fingerprint was subsequently constructed.

Results  The established method was accurate and reliable, with good linear relationships between each element (r=0.999 5~0.999 9), and an average recovery rate of 97.41%~103.38% (RSD=1.25%~2.72%, n=6). The first established inorganic elemental fingerprint of Rho-dodendron anthopogonoides Maxim. exhibited consistent spectral characteristics across samples from diverse origins. Correlation analysis revealed synergistic absorption trends within groups: macroelements (K, Ca, Na, Mg), trace nutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, V, Se), and heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb, Hg). Five principal components were extracted by PCA (cumulative contribution rate: 91.97%), identifying Fe, V, Ca, Mg, and Zn as critical quality indicators. Comprehensive scoring highlighted superior medicinal quality in samples from Beishan Forest Farm (Huzhu County, Qinghai), the southern slope of Daban Mountain (Datong County), and Laji Mountain (Guide County).

Conclusion  This study innovatively established an inorganic elemental fingerprint and a quality evaluation system for Rhododendron anthopogonoides Maxim., elucidating its elemental accumulation patterns. The findings provide method-ological foundations and data support for quality control, authenticity identification, geographical authenticity evaluation, and safe utilization of this medicinal material.

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