Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

06:29
A Method to Preserve Wetland Roots and Rhizospheres for Elemental Imaging
Published on: February 15, 2021
Study on the trace elements in Swertia chirayita (Roxb.) H. Karsten
Jagmohan S Negi1, Pramod Singh, M S M Rawat
1Department of Chemistry, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, P. O. Srinagar-246 174, Uttarakhand, India.
Biological Trace Element Research
|July 8, 2009
Summary
This study analyzed trace elements and electrolytes in Swertia chirayita roots and leaves. Calcium concentration was highest, followed by potassium, in the analyzed medicinal plant samples.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Pharmacognosy
Background:
- Swertia chirayita is a medicinal herb with traditional uses.
- Understanding its elemental composition is crucial for quality control and therapeutic efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the concentrations of key trace elements and electrolytes in Swertia chirayita.
- To establish a reference elemental profile for the plant's roots and leaves.
Main Methods:
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) or similar atomic spectroscopy techniques were likely employed.
- Sample preparation involved digestion or extraction of plant material.
- Quantification of elements including Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), and Lithium (Li).
Main Results:
- Calcium (Ca) exhibited the highest concentration across all analyzed Swertia chirayita samples, exceeding 1,346.0 mg/kg.
- The general order of elemental concentration was Potassium (K) > Calcium (Ca) > Iron (Fe) > Sodium (Na) > Manganese (Mn) > Zinc (Zn) > Cobalt (Co) > Copper (Cu) > Lithium (Li).
- Variations in elemental concentrations were observed between roots and leaves and among different samples.
Conclusions:
- The elemental profile of Swertia chirayita is characterized by high concentrations of Calcium and Potassium.
- This quantitative data provides valuable insights into the mineral content of Swertia chirayita, supporting its medicinal applications.
- Further research can correlate these elemental levels with biological activities.

