[Features of the elemental composition of medicinal plants, synthesizing phenolic compounds]

A total of 52 species of medicinal plants capable of synthesizing phenolic compounds were subjected to mass-scale screening for 24 chemical elements. The screening was performed by atomic absorption spectrometry in combination with spectrophotometric detection. The plant species tested were found to accumulate groups of two to ten chemical elements (Fe, Cr, Cu, Co, Mn, etc.), which are known cofactors and activators of many enzymes of phenol metabolism. Some of the plant species tested are overconcentrators of Cr, Co, Mn, I, and other chemical elements. The possibility of the use of these plants in the treatment and prophylaxis of disorders of the microelement metabolism is discussed.