Study on Trace Elements Concentration in Medicinal Plants Using EDXRF Technique

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Medicinal plants are crucial in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda).
• Understanding trace element composition is vital for efficacy and safety.
• The Malnad Kerala region is rich in biodiversity and traditional practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify trace element concentrations (Fe, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Pb) in ten medicinal plants.
• To analyze trace elements in the soil of these plants' root areas.
• To determine the soil-to-plant transfer factor (TF) for these elements.

Main Methods:

• Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectroscopy for elemental analysis.
• Analysis of both plant tissues and associated soil samples.
• Calculation of soil-to-plant transfer factors (TF).

Main Results:

• Iron (Fe) was the most concentrated trace element in the analyzed medicinal plants.
• Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn) were the next most abundant elements.
• Zinc (Zn) exhibited the highest mean soil-to-plant transfer factor (TF).
• Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng showed the maximum TF for Zn.
• Centella asiatica (L.) Urban contained significant levels of essential trace elements.

Conclusions:

• The study provides valuable data on trace element profiles of South Indian medicinal plants.
• Zinc's high TF suggests efficient uptake, relevant for bioavailability studies.
• Centella asiatica's elemental composition supports its traditional medicinal use.
• This research contributes to the global database of medicinal plant trace elements.