Abstract

Artemisia annua and Pyrus pashia are used to relieve and treat many human diseases due to their low side effects. They are rich source of biologically important elements, which may play an important role in the observed therapeutic uses of these plants. It is important to have a good quality of medicinal plants in order to protect consumers from contamination. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to carry out a comparative evaluation of heavy and essential metals contents in A. annua and P. pashia. The heavy and essential metals (As, Cd, Zn, Ni, Pb and Hg) contents ranged between 1.82±0.54 - 1.86±0.22, 0.30±0.07 - 0.36±0.15, 18.00±3.32- 27.00±2.53, 1.22±0.44 - 3.02±0.55, 1.24±0.54 - 1.84±0.42 and 1.60±0.84 - 1.92±0.35 mg/kg respectively in A. annua, while for P. pashia these varies from 2.65±1.83-2.81±0.25, 0.02±0.06-0.05±0.25, 13.50±3.13 - 25.20±1.18, 0.21±0.82 - 2.42±0.24, 0.38±0.03 - 1.05±0.08 and 1.48±0.78 -1.82±0.46 mg/kg respectively. The highest Cd, Zn, Ni, Pb and Hg content was detected in roots of A. annua, while highest concentration of As was found in leaves of P. pashia. The contents were well within the permissible limits therefore, it can be used in the cure system.

Key words: Heavy metals, essential elements, ICP-MS, Microwave digestion system.