New Study Validates the Safety and Health Benefits of Maifanitum

A recent collaborative study conducted by several Chinese institutions extensively analyzed maifanitum using analytical methods. This study, led by Xiangsong Meng and Shengjin Liu, with help from other researchers from various institutions in Nanjing, China, provides a comprehensive chemical analysis of Maifanitum using spectroscopic methods.

With growing consumer interest in natural health-enhancing minerals, researchers have turned their focus to Maifanitum, a widely used mineral in traditional Chinese medicine and water purification (1). The study, published in the Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry, utilized attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to systematically analyze Maifanitum’s chemical composition, quality, and potential health benefits (1).

Maifanitum is a silicate mineral known for its ability to release beneficial trace elements into water (1). It is formed by volcanic eruptions, and it is harmless to living creatures (2). The benefit of maifanitum is that it can absorb moisture from the air, which makes it valuable in gardening (2). Maifantum has also been used in various health applications (1). However, despite its widespread use, scientific evaluation of its safety and efficacy has remained limited. The study conducted by Meng, Liu, and their teams sought to learn more about its efficacy in health by analyzing its chemical properties.

Foods containing natural magnesium. Mg: Chocolate, banana, cocoa, nuts, avocados, broccoli, almonds. Top view. On a blue wooden background. | Image Credit: © Yaruniv-Studio - stock.adobe.com

In their study, the researchers employed ATR FT-IR spectroscopy to establish a fingerprint for maifanitum quality control, allowing for effective sample identification and traceability (1). By using the similarity evaluation method, the study confirmed spectral similarities among different maifanitum samples, enabling classification based on their production areas (1). Additionally, the research team utilized orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to identify distinct absorption peaks (1). Using OPLS-DA allowed the team to differentiate samples based on their origins (1).

Then, the research team went about trying to detect trace elements in maifanitum. To do so, they used ICP-MS, which is an atomic spectroscopy technique often used for elemental analysis (1). Their analysis revealed that maifanitum contains a variety of inorganic elements beneficial to human health, including sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and iron (Fe) (1).

Because exposure to heavy metals could lead to an increase in health risks, the research team also dedicated part of their study to evaluating maifanitum’s bioavailability by simulating digestive conditions. They found in their study that maifanitum exhibited low solubility in simulated digestive fluids, ensuring that heavy metal content remained within the permissible limits set by the 2020 Chinese Pharmacopoeia (1). As a result, the findings suggest that maifanitum is safe for daily use, which assuages concerns that prolonged exposure to these metals could be toxic to human health (1).

The study highlights the importance of a standardized approach to Maifanitum analysis, providing a scientific basis for its use in health and wellness applications. By establishing a quality control method and demonstrating the mineral’s traceability, the research offers valuable guidance for industries utilizing Maifanitum in filtration systems, supplements, and traditional medicine (1).

However, the researchers acknowledge future studies should look into this issue more. In particular, the team indicated that future studies should investigate more fully the biological activity of maifanitum’s inorganic elements (1). Future studies could explore how these elements interact with the human body (1).

Through the combined use of ATR FT-IR and ICP-MS, the researchers showed how these techniques allow for precise identification, traceability, and quality control, ensuring that maifanitum continues to be a reliable and beneficial health resource.

References

1. Qian, X.; Wu, S.; Zhou, L.; et al. Characterization and Health-related Study of Maifanitum by ATR–FTIR and ICP-MS. Chi. J. Anal. Chem. 2025, 100529. DOI: 10.1016/j.cjac.2025.100529
2. Springer Garden, 10 Best Granular Soil For Your Succulents. Springer Garden. Available at: https://www.springergarden.com/blogs/blog/10-best-granular-soil-for-your-succulents?srsltid=AfmBOorY0WcA57Sm_hPph5OOq0HpwrHwUlxDltY4_za6EpEz9-S-p2a8 (accessed 2025-04-01).