Abstract:

To address the issue of quality differences in Bletilla striata from different producing areas, 22 B. striata samples from different habitats in Yunnan were taken as the research objects. By determining the contents of extracts, polysaccharides, militarine, total phenols, and heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Hg, Cu), and combining fingerprint analysis, fuzzy matter-element evaluation, and grey pattern recognition methods, a comprehensive assessment and analysis were conducted to provide a scientific basis for the quality control of B. striata and the selection of planting areas. The results showed that the contents of extracts, polysaccharides, militarine, and total phenols in the 22 Yunnan B. striata samples were 36.54%-79.42%, 138.75%-327.66%, 15.00-70.19 mg/g, and 2.12-11.26 mg/g, respectively. Fingerprint analysis revealed five common peaks among the 22 different habitats in Yunnan, indicating that the quality of B. striata could not be distinguished by fingerprints alone. Combined with fuzzy matter-element and grey correlation analysis, it was concluded that the comprehensive quality of B. striata from high-altitude producing areas in western Yunnan was the best. When further considering the heavy metal content, B. striata produced in Qianshan Village, Qihe Town, Gucheng District, Lijiang City exhibited better quality. This study makes up for the deficiencies of traditional appearance-based or single-component evaluation of B. striata and is expected to promote the establishment of a comprehensive quality evaluation model for B. striata based on multiple indicators, including mathematical models and heavy metal content.

Key words: Bletilla striata, quality evaluation, fingerprint, fuzzy matter-element, gray pattern recognition, heavy metal