In detail
Heavy metals occur naturally in soil and can also enter through drying, processing, or packaging. Because extraction concentrates plant solids, a finished extract can exceed a limit that the raw herb would have passed. Testing should report each element separately, with the method and the limit.
Arsenic illustrates why speciation can matter: inorganic arsenic is the toxicologically relevant form, while total arsenic includes less harmful organic forms. Most routine panels report total arsenic; a market or customer may require speciation. Limits also vary by product category and jurisdiction, so the destination belongs in the specification.
Why it matters to a buyer
- It is one of the most common reasons a botanical lot fails a customer's quality gate.
- Concentration during extraction increases the risk relative to the raw herb.
- Element-specific results are needed to investigate and correct a failure.
What to ask a supplier
Which elements and limits apply to our destination and product category?
Was the test run by ICP-MS, and was the laboratory accredited?
Do you have speciation data for arsenic if our market requires it?
References and further reading
External links are provided for orientation. Requirements differ by market, product, and dose; confirm with your regulatory advisor.
Cite this page
Rainwood Botanical. "Heavy metals." Botanical extract glossary, October 2026. https://ingredients.rainwoodbio.com/resources/glossary/heavy-metals/