Estimation of Phenolic Compounds and Content of Toxic Elements From Medicinal Plant Lycopodium Clavatum

Abstract

The quality and safety of plant-based products are becoming a major concern worldwide, particularly because of heavy metal contamination. The present study was based on determining the content of toxic elements (Pb, Cd, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, and Bi) in the medicinal plant Lycopodium clavatum marketed in Romanian shops. Phytochemical analyses were also carried out to determine the total content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. In addition, the relationship between the phenolic compounds and heavy metals content was determined. The results showed average values of 0.045; 0.035; 1.156; 0.472 and 0.075 mg/kg for Pb, Co, Cu, Cr, and Ni, while for Mn, Cd, and Bi, the concentrations were below the method's detection limit. Data corresponding to correlation coefficients for phenolic compounds and different metals showed significant positive and negative correlations. Although the selected metals pose no threat to the environment at their current level, their accumulation over time in soil and plants can endanger the environment and human health.