Traceability and identification technology for Gastrodia elata Bl. based on mineral elements

Abstract

Gastrodia elata Bl., a traditional edible and medicinal plant, has gained increasing attention for its nutritional value and geographic origin, which are closely linked to its quality. This study aimed to evaluate the geographic origin of G. elata by analyzing its mineral element composition in combination with chemometric techniques. A total of 35 samples from three distinct regions were analyzed using ICP-MS to quantify 16 mineral elements, including essential nutrients (e.g., Ca, Fe, Mg) and trace elements. Principal component analysis, traditional discriminant analysis, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, Fisher discriminant analysis, and a multi-layer perceptron model were employed to classify the samples based on their geographic origin, achieving high accuracy. The results revealed distinct regional patterns in the mineral element profiles, with elements such as Ca, Fe, and Mg playing significant roles in differentiation. These findings highlight the potential of mineral element profiling as a robust tool for authenticating the geographic origin of G. elata. Furthermore, this approach provides a scientific basis for quality control and market regulation, ensuring the safety and nutritional consistency of G. elata as a functional food product. This study contributes to the growing field of geographic traceability and supports the standardization and quality assurance of G. elata in the food industry.