Objective: To determine 22 inorganic elements in the aerial and underground parts of Nardostachys chinensis from different growth stages and investigate the content of heavy metal in N. chinensis. Method: Samples were dissolved by microwave digestion using nitric acid.Contents of Pb and Cd were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry(AAS)

contents of Hg and As were determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry(AFS).Contents of Cu

P

S and other elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry(ICP-OES)

plasma radiofrequency transmission power was 1.20 kW

plasma gas flow was 15.0 L · min-1

atomizer gas flow was 0.75 L · min-1

auxiliary gas flow was 1.50 L · min-1

observation height was 10 mm

one reading time was 3.0 s

stability time was 15 s. Result: Contents of Pb

Cd

Hg

As and Cu in different parts of N. chinensis were in line with the 2010 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia requirements.Contents of K

Mg

P

Ca

S and Ba were rich

contents of Al

Fe and Na were higher

contents of trace elements of Li

Mn

Sr

Ti

V and Zn were low.Mo was not detected in all samples. Conclusion: Contents of 22 inorganic elements in different parts of N. chinensis are closely related to their growth stages and growing environment

this study can provide a scientific basis for standardized cultivation and comprehensive utilization of N. chinensis.