Abstract

Trace elemental analysis employing particle induced x-ray emission (PIXE) technique was carried out in some selected medicinal plants used in the preparation of anti-cancer drugs. The 3MV Pelletron Accelerator at Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, India was used for the present PIXE measurements. A beam of 3 MeV protons, collimated to a diameter of 2 mm, bombarded the samples placed at an angle of 45° to the beam direction. The characteristic X-rays emitted by the elements present in the sample were recorded by a high resolution Si(Li) detector. The elements Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, and Sr were identified and their concentrations were estimated by using Guelph PIXE (GUPIX) software. These elements were found to be in widely varying concentrations in the specific parts of the analyzed anti-cancer medicinal plants. These medicinal plants can be considered as potential sources for providing a reasonable amount of the required elements other than diet to the cancer patients. The quantity of trace elements administered through these medicinal plants was found to be less than the recommended dietary allowance. The present data on elemental concentration in these medicinal plants will be useful to set new standards for prescribing the dosage and duration of administration of these herbal medicines to the cancer patients.

Key words: Trace elements, particle induced x-ray emission (PIXE), anticancer, medicinal plants.