Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction using a choline chloride-lactic acid green solvent for gingerbread sample preparation before elemental analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Elemental analysis of wild Japanese cormorants captured for Ukai fishing in Ishihama coast, Hitachi City, Japan.

3D polyurethane scaffolds for exploring osteogenic differentiation and mechanical stimulation of mesenchymal stromal cells.

Stable isotope-ratio analysis by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with a multi-collector (MC-ICP-MS) is increasingly used in life sciences, offering mechanistic insight and potential diagnostic specificity. This review asks the following: What limits biomedical isotope-ratio work, and what steps will make results comparable and fit for biomedical interpretation? Our target audience includes analytical chemists, MC-ICP-MS practitioners, liquid chromatography (LC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) users, metrology and assurance/quality control specialists, and biomedical researchers adopting isotope-ratio workflows. We map the field from bulk delta (δ) values to chemical speciation, species-specific isotope ratios, and spatially resolved readouts. Specific choices in sampling, pre-analytics, separation, sample introduction, and instrument setup are linked to the main sources of bias and to the limits of precision and traceability. Recent progress is synthesized across automated clean-up, LC/ICP-MS and CE/ICP-MS workflows, transient-signal handling, and species-specific isotope dilution with enriched spikes. The review provides practical guidance on baseline correction, peak integration, mass-bias correction, scale realization, and uncertainty budgets. Across studies, the bottlenecks are species instability and interconversion, matrix and space-charge effects, sample-spike mismatch, spectral interferences, lack of species-specific reference materials, and inconsistent operating procedures. We close with an outlook that prioritizes (i) automation and transient-signal processing, (ii) matrix-matched species-specific reference materials, (iii) instrument advances for interference control and coupling efficiency, and (iv) harmonized data-processing standard operating procedures. Together, these steps can enable reproducible multi-site biomedical isotope-ratio workflows and support their translation towards clinical applicability by clarifying where MC-ICP-MS already adds value and where research is still needed.

Chronic exposure to hypoxia occurs in lowland populations, including soldiers, adventurers, tourists, and porters, during their ascent to high altitude. Hypobaric hypoxia induces oxidative stress and impairs the metabolism of micro minerals, including selenium, zinc, iron, and copper. The role of metalloproteins and their associated microminerals in preventing oxidative stress at different altitudes is incompletely understood. In this study, plasma samples were collected from lowlanders at sea level (SL), moderate altitude (A1-1585m, A2-2290m), and high altitude (A3-3500m). Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to quantify selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) levels. Antioxidant metalloproteins, including Copper-Zinc Superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Metallothionein (MT), Selenoprotein 1 (SEPP1), were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lipid peroxidation was assessed through malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydroperoxides through ferrous oxidation xylenol orange; FOX1 assay. We found that Se, Zn, Cu, and Fe levels were higher (p < 0.01) at A2 compared to SL and lower (p < 0.01) at A3 compared to A2. MT levels were higher (p < 0.01) at A1 and A3 compared to SL. SEPP1 levels were higher (p < 0.001) at A3 compared to SL, A1, and A2. Cu-Zn SOD levels were higher at A3 (p = 0.006). GPx levels remained consistent across all altitudes. MDA levels were significantly elevated (p = 0.013) at A3 compared to SL, while the FOX assay showed increased hydroperoxide levels (p < 0.001) at A2 and A3 as compared to SL. Our findings demonstrate that hypoxia leads to variations in micromineral levels at different altitudes, accompanied by elevated oxidative stress and dysregulated antioxidant metalloproteins potentially reflecting adaptive responses to oxidative stress at high altitude.

Exposure to toxic metals/metalloids in the environment and in vitro fertilization outcomes in a population group from Romania.

Dyslipidemia poses a significant challenge to public health worldwide. Many researchers have suggested that nutritional and environmental factors contribute to dyslipidemia. This study aimed to examine the relationship between serum levels of selected essential and non-essential elements, calcium (Ca), cobalt (Co), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), lithium (Li), boron (B), and aluminum (Al) and dyslipidemia. Additionally, we aimed to explore the interactions between these elements in various mixtures using the Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) model. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among the Kurdish population in western Iran, using data from the Ravansar non-communicable diseases (RaNCD) study. A total of 224 participants aged between 35 and 65 years were included. Data collection included demographic information and blood samples, which were analyzed for selected elements using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). We applied logistic regression and BKMR models to analyze the effects of the studied serum elements on dyslipidemia. Among 224 participants, dyslipidemia prevalence was 54.9%, higher in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients (61.8%) than in non-CVDs (49.2%). Individuals with dyslipidemia had significantly higher age, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure, while no significant differences were found in sex, residence, marital status, or education level. The logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for confounding factors in the CVD subgroup, indicated that higher serum Ca concentrations were associated with higher odds of dyslipidemia compared with lower concentrations. In contrast, higher serum Co and Mg concentrations were associated with lower odds of dyslipidemia. The BKMR model revealed that the serum levels of B in all subjects, and K, Co, and Ca in the CVD group, as well as B and Co in the non-CVD group, exhibited the highest posterior inclusion probability (PIP) values. This study suggests a potential association between serum levels of Ca, Co, Mg, and dyslipidemia in a representative sample of patients with CVD.

Ebselen-Loaded Silver-Containing Mesoporous Bioactive Glass for the Control of Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans in Endodontic Infections.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) pollution in the air and its sources and risks have become a major environmental problem faced by developing countries, especially plateau cities. This study determined the concentrations of seven PTEs in PM2.5 by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and comprehensively utilized methods such as geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), principal component analysis (PCA), potential ecological risk index and health risk assessment to systematically analyze their pollution levels, sources and environmental risks. The results indicated that Cd pollution was the most severe (Igeo = 6.80 ± 0.49), while Tl pollution was the least (Igeo = 1.60 ± 0.53). The EF values of Cd and Ni are greater than 10, and the EF value of Cd even exceeds 100, indicating strong anthropogenic interference. PCA analysis indicates that traffic emissions, agricultural activities, industrial production, corrosion of building materials and combustion of fossil fuels are the main sources. The potential ecological risk assessment indicates that Cd has an extremely high single-element ecological risk (Ei = 5320.80 ± 1886.59). All non-carcinogenic health risks fall within the acceptable safety range (HQ < 1). However, the carcinogenic risk assessment reveals that Cr (Ⅵ) and As pose significant carcinogenic risks, and Ni exposure in adults should not be overlooked. This study provides multi-angle scientific evidence for PTE pollution in PM2.5 in plateau cities, emphasizing the need to take targeted intervention measures to reduce the risk of PTE exposure.

This study investigated potentially toxic metal (PTM) levels in cheeses produced in different regions of Türkiye and evaluated the associated dietary exposure and non-carcinogenic health risk. A total of 84 cheese samples were collected from seven geographical regions and classified according to milk source, ripening stage, and production type. After microwave-assisted acid digestion, PTM levels were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and exposure and non-carcinogenic risk were evaluated using Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Hazard Index (HI). Aluminium (Al), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) ranged from <0.00215 to 7.29,<0.00769 to 38.8, and 0.68 to 56.6 mg/kg wet weight, respectively, whereas chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) ranged from <0.58 to 244, <1.26 to 369, <1.88 to 4067, <0.91 to 1378, <0.06 to 12.3, and <2.19 to 1754 µg/kg wet weight, respectively. Values marked with "<" represent concentrations below the limit of quantification (LOQ). Arsenic (As) was not detected in any sample. Significant differences were observed for selected PTMs according to ripening stage, milk source, production type, and region (p<0.05). The toxicological contribution (TC) values for nutritional PTM exposure were low. THQ and HI values remained below 1, suggesting a low overall non-carcinogenic risk; however, Pb exceedances in some samples indicate the need for continued PTM monitoring.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in Jasminum sambac threatens food safety and aroma quality. We compared titanium dioxide nanoparticle (nTiO2) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) effects singly or combined using sensory evaluation, HS-SPME-GC-MS, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and transcriptome analysis. Cd stress reduced pleasant floral and fruity notes, increased irritating odors, elevated floral Cd accumulation, and shifted volatiles to defense-related sesquiterpenes (e.g., α-cadinol, γ-/d-cadinene). MeJA enriched α-farnesene, enhancing fresh green attributes. ICP-MS revealed nTiO2 and MeJA each reduced floral Cd by approximately 50%, while their combination achieved 88.3% reduction. Transcriptomics showed Cd upregulated phenylpropanoid/flavonoid genes (PAL, 4CL, CHS, DFR, ANS) and activated ABC transporters and salicylic acid (SA) axis (NPR1-TGA-PR1). nTiO2 attenuated ABCB and ABCG expression, and MeJA enhanced α-linolenic acid metabolism and jasmonate signaling (via COI1-JAZ-MYC2). Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) indicated energy, redox, and terpenoid pathways (e.g., TPS4, CYP76A26) were involved. This study provides a theoretical basis for synergistic safety and flavor of aromatic crops in heavy-metal-contaminated areas.

Gandhak-ki-baoli, an ancient stepwell, long revered for its therapeutic properties, represents untapped natural reservoir of bioavailable sulfur and bioactive compounds. In this study a multidisciplinary analytical approach was employed to investigate the physicochemical and biochemical characteristics of stepwell water and its surrounding geological matrix. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) revealed a notable concentration of sulfur (~61 ppm) in the rock samples, while water profiling confirmed a mineral-rich composition indicative of redox-influenced hydrochemical environment. Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Electrospray Ionization and Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight-Mass-Spectrometry (UPLC–ESI–QToF–MS) identified 20 bioactive compounds exhibiting antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Therapeutic potential is attributed to (1) membrane-permeabilizing saponins, such as digitonin, which may enhance the permeation of mineral and bioactive compounds through epidermal layers, and (2) bioactive phenolics and flavonoids, such as coumarin, capable of deep dermal absorption. These findings offer a detailed chemical and metabolomic profile of this historic stepwell, underscoring its significance as a unique reservoir with potential biological relevance and applications that warrant further investigation.

Oxidative stress (OS) induced by local reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation plays a vital role in initiating and accelerating intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) have specific and efficient superoxide dismutase (SOD)-mimicking activity for ROS degradation. Their nanoscale particle size and nonstringent catalytic reaction conditions can potentially address challenges faced by traditional antioxidants in terms of remaining stable when used in degenerative avascular intervertebral disc (IVD). We cocultured three kinds of IVD cells (cells of annulus fibrosus (AF), cartilage endplate (CEP) and nucleus pulposus (NP)) with CeNPs to determine the safe range of CeNPs concentrations. Additionally, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, ROS level assay and calcein/PI staining were performed to detect the protective effect of CeNPs on IVD cells against OS in vitro. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and blood analysis were used to describe its distribution pattern and the possible effects CeNPs may have on the body. Histological and immunohistochemical studies were implemented to analyse the capacity of CeNPs to prevent IDD induced by OS. Then western blotting was used to explore the corresponding mechanisms. The results showed that ≤ 40 µM CeNPs was safe for the three kinds of IVD cells. CeNPs alleviated the inhibition of cell proliferation and reduced the degree of cell death caused by OS to different degrees. Additionally, the OS-induced degeneration of each part of the IVD was partially relieved after pretreatment with CeNPs. These improvements might be achieved through reducing OS-mediated cellular inflammatory response, extracellular matrix (ECM) catabolism and apoptosis. This study proposes that the local application of CeNPs to the IVD could mitigate OS-induced IDD. Our findings indicate that experimental designs incorporating multiple IVD structures, IVD cells, and surrounding tissues are essential for evaluating drug effect and safety in IDD therapeutic development.

Liquid impingers, i.e., bubbling gaseous or aerosol samples through a liquid-based collection solution, are often used in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) research to capture aerosols for metal analysis. However, a key limitation is the accurate quantitation of the mass of aerosol collected in the impinger solution for metal data normalization, which is necessary for comparison with prevaped e-liquid metal concentrations and for comparison across studies. To address this gap, we developed a novel approach to quantitate collected aerosol mass in a simple liquid impinger by leveraging the carbon-13 (13C) of aerosolized e-liquids, which enabled the parallel determination of aerosol mass and metal concentration by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The method demonstrated low limits of detection and quantitation, excellent solution stability (≤4 months), and high accuracy and precision across spiked quality control samples, diverse e-liquid formulations, and multiple aerosol collection techniques (84.4-101% recovery with ≤4.6% relative percent deviation). Compared with an aerosol condensate collection method, the liquid impinger was equally effective at collecting metals, with metal concentrations on a mass-per-puff (ng/puff) basis within ∼7% for chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), antimony (Sb), and lead (Pb). Aerosol metal concentrations on a mass-per-mass basis (ng/g) quantified using the 13C-derived aerosol mass from the liquid impinger were strongly correlated with (R2 ≥ 0.97) but consistently greater than those from the condensate collection approach, due to differences in aerosol collection efficiency between methods. The liquid impinger enabled parallel aerosol mass and metal quantitation, offering a new approach for future e-cigarette aerosol studies, with potential application for investigations into future liquid impinger collection optimizations, e-liquid-to-aerosol metal transfer, and redox-sensitive speciation (e.g., Fe, Cu, Cr, Sb).

Heavy metal(loid) pollution in watersheds surrounding mining areas originates from multiple and complex sources, posing persistent threats to terrestrial-aquatic ecosystems and human dietary safety. This study systematically investigated the pollution characteristics, spatial distribution, ecological risks and human health hazards of seven typical heavy metal(loid)s (As, Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Ni) in the integrated water-soil-vegetable continuum of a mining-affected watershed in Southwest China. Field sampling was carried out in three functional zones with different mining disturbance intensities, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to detect heavy metal(loid) concentrations in all samples. Multiple pollution evaluation indices and the USEPA human health risk assessment model were adopted for comprehensive quantitative analysis. The results showed that 44.0% of surface water samples exceeded national permissible limits, with high-pollution areas concentrated in intensive mining zones, presenting moderate overall aquatic heavy metal(loid) pollution. Although the average concentrations of seven heavy metal(loid)s in riparian soils complied with Chinese agricultural soil screening standards, localized significant enrichment was observed for As (1.98 times), Cd (4.62 times), Cu (1.81 times), and Zn (2.72 times) compared with regional background values, causing mild comprehensive soil pollution. Farmland soils exhibited prominent Cu and Zn accumulation, and leafy vegetables in the study area suffered severe Pb and Cd pollution, with potential dietary exposure risks. Health risk assessment indicated that children face higher non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks than adults via soil hand-to-mouth exposure; dietary intake of vegetables leads to moderate carcinogenic risks for children caused by As and Ni exposure. Overall, this study clarifies the migration and enrichment rules of heavy metal(loid)s in the water-soil-vegetable system of mining watersheds, confirms the prominent ecological and human health risks of Cd, As and Pb in the study area, and provides targeted basic data for regional heavy metal(loid) pollution prevention and food safety management.

Cobalt is a well-established cause of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), but data on the skin absorption, toxicity, and immunological effects of cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) remain limited. Given the increasing use of nanomaterials in industry and medicine, understanding how cobalt speciation affects skin immune activation is of growing clinical relevance. Fourteen cobalt-allergic individuals underwent standardized patch testing with cobalt chloride (CoCl2) and CoNPs at equivalent nominal doses. Skin biopsies from positive reactions were analyzed by RNA sequencing to characterize immune and barrier-related pathways. Cobalt penetration and localization were further examined in reconstructed and exvivo human skin models using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and laser ablation ICP-TOFMS imaging. Both CoCl2 and CoNPs elicited positive patch test reactions, although CoNP responses were delayed and milder. CoCl2 also demonstrated a clearer dose-dependent increase in clinical reactivity, whereas CoNP responses were comparatively stable across concentrations. Transcriptomic profiling revealed substantial overlap between exposures, with reaction strength emerging as the main determinant of gene expression changes. Increasing severity was associated with enrichment of interferon signaling, inflammatory response, apoptosis, cell cycle-related programs, and glycolysis in both exposures. Lipid metabolic pathways were significantly associated with reaction strength in CoCl2-exposed skin but not in CoNP-exposed samples. Direct comparison using a paired DESeq2 design identified 281 differentially expressed genes between CoCl2 and CoNP. Functional enrichment of these genes revealed distinct biological signatures between exposures, including upregulated interferon and antiviral pathways and downregulated epithelial differentiation programs in CoCl2 compared to CoNP. In complementary skin models, CoCl2 exhibited deeper penetration, higher trans-epidermal flux, and broader intracellular accumulation across epidermal and dermal cell populations, whereas CoNPs remained largely confined to the stratum corneum and adnexal structures. Cobalt-induced ACD is shaped by both reaction strength and cobalt speciation. While CoCl2 and CoNPs share a core interferon-driven inflammatory program that scales with clinical severity, ionic cobalt penetrates more deeply and preferentially engages interferon and antiviral pathways in dermal compartments, whereas CoNPs are retained more superficially and are associated with epithelial differentiation programs. These findings underscore the importance of chemical form, tissue penetration, bioavailability, and retention in determining immune responses and dermal hazard of cobalt and other metal nanomaterials.

Objective: To analyze the relationship between nickel level of post-shift urine and individual exposure level of soluble nickel compounds in nickel exposed workers, and to explore the feasibility of using urine nickel as a biomarker. Methods: In November 2020, a typical sampling method was employed to select 301 employees from a nickel salt-using enterprise in Jiangmen City as study subjects, including 257 nickel-handling workers as the exposure group and 44 non-exposed administrative and logistics staff as the control group. The time-weighted average concentration (C(TWA)) of soluble nickel in workplace air was measured using individual sampling and fixed-point sampling methods. Urinary nickel levels were detected before and after shifts using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Occupational health examination results were collected, and Spearman rank correlation analysis was employed to assess the correlation between urinary nickel levels and nickel exposure levels. The biological exposure limit was calculated through linear regression analysis. Results: The median nickel concentration in the workplace C(TWA) for the exposure group was 3.52 (0.03-587.06) μg/m(3), with concentrations exceeding the action level (250 μg/m(3)) observed in positions such as vibrating screen iron removal and electric furnace automatic line operation. Pre-shift and post-shift urinary nickel levels in the exposure group were 0.46 (0.20-30.30) and 4.41 (0.24-56.34) μg/L, respectively, both significantly higher than those in the control group (0.27、0.46 μg/L, P<0.01), with post-shift levels showing a significant increase compared to pre-shift levels (P<0.01). Post-shift urinary nickel levels exhibited a positive correlation with individual exposure levels to nickel and its compounds (r(s)=0.36, P<0.01). The linear regression equation for the natural logarithm of median post-shift urinary nickel levels (ŷ) versus the natural logarithm of median individual exposure levels to soluble nickel compounds (x) across different positions in the exposure group was: ŷ=0.463+0.371x (R(2)=0.511, F=11.45, P<0.01). The recommended biological contact limit for post-shift urinary nickel levels among workers exposed to soluble nickel is 30 μg/L. Conclusion: There was a linear correlation between the nickel level of post-shift urine and the occupational nickel exposure level of nickel-exposed workers. Urinary nickel can be used as a biomarker of occupational nickel exposure.

This study aimed to determine the concentrations of heavy metals and assess the health risk associated with their exposure through the consumption of Edible Leafy Vegetables (ELVs) distributed in Rafsanjan, the southeast area of Iran. In this study, samples of commonly consumed ELVs, including Coriander, Parsley, Persian Leek, Radish, Basil, and Lettuce, were collected over four seasons in 2024. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to quantify the concentration of heavy metals lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn). The concentration of toxic heavy metals was observed for As in Leek during the summer (16.33 ± 1.21mg/kg), Cr in Lettuce during the winter (13.21 ± 1.16mg/kg), and Pb in Radish during the summer (6.10 ± 1.33mg/kg). The overall order of toxic heavy metal concentrations in the samples was As ˃ Cr ˃ Pb ˃ Ni ˃ Cd, and the most contaminated ELVs were ranked Leek ˃ Lettuce ˃ Radish ˃ Parsley ˃ Basil ˃ Coriander. The highest hazard quotient (HQ) value was recorded for As in Leek (4.8733 in children, 4.6993 in adults), AS Lettuce (1.3689 in children, 1.2571 in adults), and Cr in Lettuce (1.6139 in children, 1.4821 in adults). The highest hazard index (HI) values were observed for Leek, followed by Lettuce and Basil. In addition, the highest carcinogenic risk (CR) values were associated with Cr in Lettuce, As in Leek, and Cr in Basil, respectively. Therefore, continuous monitoring of heavy metals, particularly As and Cr in ELVs, is recommended to identify and mitigate contamination sources.

This study presents a direct-on-filter method for quantifying airborne particulate metals using a handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer for exposure assessment purposes. A calibration technique that employs commercial calibration filters was evaluated. A new, simplified calibration approach that involved spiking filters with Certified Reference Material (CRM) containing single and multiple elements was also developed; it is a cost-effective and relatively easy method to implement. Calibration curves were constructed using single-element commercially available calibration filters and a set of calibration filters generated in-house across a wide range of mass loadings. The XRF analyzer demonstrated excellent linearity (R2 ≥ 0.994) and detection limits in the range of 0.03-0.35 µg cm-2 (or 0.82 to 9.55 µg m-3 assuming a 15-minute sampling time, on a 37-mm filter, at 2 L min-1 sampling flow rate) for Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, As, and Pb. These detection limits are adequate to address most occupational exposure limits. Bland-Altman analysis revealed that multi-element calibration resulted in reduced bias and better precision when compared to Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) measurements. The non-destructive nature, rapid analysis time, and portability of handheld XRF make it an effective onsite or in-field method, allowing prompt decision-making. The method can also be used as a screening or laboratory method to complement more advanced Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) or ICP-OES methods.

Cultivated medicinal plants are an important source of bioactive raw materials. However, information on their performance in non-native soils and their associated elemental and pharmacological profiles is limited. This study evaluated whether the three South American medicinal species - Physalis angulata L., Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass., and Scoparia dulcis L. - can be cultivated on two German soils (clayey silt and sandy loam) under greenhouse conditions, focusing on biomass production, elemental profile, and anti-inflammatory potential. Soil and plant tissues were analyzed for macro-, micro-nutrients, and trace elements, including rare earth elements (REEs), using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Crude extracts were tested for anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1-derived macrophages. High-resolution mass spectrometry with class-level annotation was used to characterize major natural product classes. The three plant species produced satisfactory above-ground biomass, with P. ruderale yielding the highest biomass, and nutrient levels were within ranges considered adequate for plant growth. Potentially toxic elements (Ni, Cu, Zn, and REEs) were detected at subtoxic concentrations. REEs were largely retained in the roots, with limited translocation to the shoots, which supports the safe use of the above-ground biomass. Acetone extracts of P. angulata, enriched in limonoids (physalins), exhibited the strongest inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. In contrast, S. dulcis extracts were dominated by diterpenoids, exhibiting solvent-dependent activity. Overall, both soils supported the production of pharmacologically active biomass, demonstrating their potential as a reliable raw material for this purpose in a Central European agricultural setting.