Comparison and Principal Component Analysis of Main Mineral Elements in Lycium ruthenicum Murray from Different Habitats

Objective: To study the distribution characteristics of main mineral elements in Lycium ruthenicum Murray from 22 different habitats. Methods: 22 samples of Lycium ruthenicum Murray were pretreated by microwave digestion method, and the contents of mineral elements, including K, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, Co, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and P were determined by the national standard methods. Moreover, the comprehensive ranking of mineral elements (except Pb) was performed by principal component analysis and cluster analysis was conducted. Results: Lycium ruthenicum Murray contained many kinds of beneficial mineral elements, and the contents of heavy metals such as Cu and Pb met the safety standards of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The results of principal component analysis showed that the Lycium ruthenicum Murray from Xinjiang had higher comprehensive scores and contained more mineral elements, while Lycium ruthenicum Murray from Tibet had lower comprehensive scores and contained less mineral elements. The result of cluster analysis was basically consistent with that of principal component analysis. Conclusion: Lycium ruthenicum Murray was rich in mineral elements, but the content and quality of mineral elements from different habitats varied, which could provide new scientific evidence for its further research and comprehensive utilization.