OBJECTIVE:To determine the content of plumbm(Pb) and cadmium(Cd) in the roots of Arachniodes exilis.ME-THODS:The samples were treated with microwave digestion.Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was adopted for the content determination of Pb and Cd in samples.RESULTS:The contents of Pb and Cd were 2.209 mg?kg-1 and 0.215 mg?kg-1 in the roots of A.exilis.CONCLUSION:Harmful heavy metals have been detected in the roots of A.exilis,which is in line with the limitation stated in the Green Trade Standard for Medicinal Plant and Preparations.This method is simple,accurate and reliable for the content determination of practical samples.