Evaluation of essential and toxic elements concentrations in different parts of buckwheat

Abstract

The elements concentrations in different parts of buckwheat and the commercial products of it were analysed by experimental and chemometric approaches. The results indicated that the essential and toxic elements concentrations were significantly different in various parts of the buckwheat, with the seeds revealing the lowest concentrations. The elemental patterns were not significantly different between Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn and F. esculentum Moench. Abundant essential elements were found in the commercial buckwheat tea. The detection of heavy metals manifested the potential toxicity of buckwheat.