Inorganic constituents of many Coptidis Rhizoma and Phellodendri Corte (28 and 37 samples, respectively;almost all obtained commercially in Osaka market) were investigated using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.The results can be summarized as follows : (1) Coptidis Rhizoma contained Zn, Mn, Cu, and S at higher levels, and Ca and Sr at lower levels than those of Phellodendri Cortex. The analysis of Zn and Ca contents provided almost perfect distinction between the two drugs.(2) Coptidis Rhizoma contained Zn at high levels, and the contents of Zn, Mn, and Rb were dependent on the producing district(Japan or China).(3) The metals profile of each crude drug provides valuable information regarding the identification of not only the kind of drug but also the producing district or the botanical origin.