Abstract

At least 15 elements can be considered as an essential nutrients for human health but their toxic concentration should also be considered for preparation of herbal medicines. 24 medicinal plants were selected for metals analysis renowned for their therapeutic medicinal use. The metals analyzed include sodium (Na), potassium (K), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), cupper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) by flame emission spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy. It was investigated that the level of essential elements was higher as compared to trace elements as Zn, Pb, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cr and Cd were not detected, depicting their lesser concentration in selected plants. The highest concentration (ppm) of macro nutrients Na (792), Li (78) were found in Gauzuban (Onosma bracteatum); and Ca (164), K (180 found in Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale); and that of Mg (11.5) both in Neem (Azardirachta indica) and Gainda (Tagetes minuta). The results also showed that Methi (Trigonella foenum-graceum) has highest concentration of Fe (29.8); Gainda (T. minuta) has highest concentration of Zn (29.8). Presence of different metals in these medicinal plants was correlated to their medicinal use.

Key words: Medicinal plants, elemental, spectrophotometry.

Abbreviation

FES, Flame emission spectrophotometer; AAS, atomic absorption spectrometer; RDA, recommended dietary allowance.