Trace Element Determination in Medicinal Plant Samples by ED-XRF Analysis

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to determine the concentration of trace elements in selected medicinal plants which are used for the treatment of dermal diseases. The trace element analysis was carried out in Trigonella foenum-graecum, Azadirachta indica, Vitex nigundo, and Argemone mexicana, using ED-X-ray Florescence (XRF) technique. The experiments were carried out using 3MV pelletron accelerator. The elements K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr., and Pb were identified in the sample. The elements K and Ca were present in maximum quantities. The relative concentrations of different elements in these medicinal plants have been given. All four plants contain trace elements of different concentrations in medicinal plants selected for this study. It is believed that the various trace elements present in the plants play an important role in the management of skin diseases. The present information will be helpful to prescribe the type of extract, dose, and mixture of these plants. The results justify that usage of these plants in the traditional systems of medicine for the treatment of skin diseases contains appropriate amounts of Fe, Zn, Cu, etc.