Abstract: Objective To conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of ten heavy metal contaminants in 26 batches of Artemisia argyi in order to establish a reference framework for precise evaluation of associated health risks. Methods The concentrations of Pb, Cd, As, Hg, Cu, Al, Mn, Ni, Cr, and Zn in Artemisia argyi samples were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The health risks of heavy metal contamination were analyzed using three methods: oral intake risk assessment, non-carcinogenic risk assessment and carcinogenic risk assessment. Results The mean elemental concentrations were the highest with Al, followed by Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cr, Cd, As and Hg. The levels of Pb, Cd, As, Hg, and Cu in each batch were below the established safety thresholds for medicinal plants and decoction pieces. Oral intake risk assessment indicated that the estimated daily intake (EDI) of heavy metals from Artemisia argyi consumption remained within provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) limits, suggesting a negligible risk. For non-carcinogenic risks, the hazard index (HI) across samples was<1, indicating a negligible overall risk, with Mn posing the highest non-carcinogenic risk, followed by As and Cd. Carcinogenic risk evaluation identified Cd and As as contributors to measurable carcinogenic potential and worthy of attention, whereas Pb posed a minimal carcinogenic risk. Conclusion The risk assessment method established in this study integrates multi-dimensional risk indicators, enabling precise identification and quantification of key determinants of safety risks of Artemisia argyi. This study is expected to provide a reference for the sustainable development of the Artemisia argyi industry.

Key words: Artemisia argyi, Harmful Elements, Exposure Level, Oral Intake Risk, Non-Carcinogenic Risk, Carcinogenic Risk