Investigation of Major and Trace Elements in Some Medicinal Plants Using Pixe

Abstract

The use of the medicinal herbs for curing disease has been documented in history of all civilizations. With introduction of scientific procedures, researchers isolated active constituents of the medicinal herbs and after testing, some were found to be therapeutically active. Trace elements are important constituents of active principles of medicinal plants which affect the human body. The aim of this study was to determine qualitatively and quantitatively trace elements in these plants and their medicinal roles in the human body. Analysis of medicinal plants of various biological activities, commonly used in Northern India, was carried out using PIXE technique. Plant samples were collected from Chandigarh (India), which is located at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges, which form a part of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. PIXE measurements were carried out using 2.4 MeV collimated protons from the 3 MV Tandetron (accelerator) of NCCCM, Hyderabad, India. Various elements namely S , Cl , K , Ca , Ti , V , Mn , Fe , Ni , Cu , Zn , Se etc. were detected with different concentrations. Many of these elements play significant roles in human metabolism and are very important with regards to life processes in man.

Analysis of the phytochemicals of Coriandrum sativum and Cichorium intybus aqueous extracts and their biological effects on broiler chickens

“…Copper is the third most prevalent trace element (after zinc and iron) in the human body and is a critical component of oxygen-transporting blood cells 26 , bones, the heart, the brain, connective tissues, and other body organs 27 . Copper concentrations were high in all tested plant materials, particularly in C. intybus plant sample (6.81 ± 0.89 mg/kg) (Table 3 ).…”

Qualitative elemental analysis of selected potential anti-asthmatic medicinal plant taxa using EDXRF technique

“…Argemone mexicana plant material has sufficient S concentration (1706.31 AE 86.09) (Figure 4b). Sulphur helps in protecting the cells in the body from environmental hazards such as heavy radiation and pollution (Kaur et al, 2012). Relatively high quantities of S are required, but there is no RDA (recommended dietary allowance) for sulphur it is a critical nutrient is obtained from used amino acids.…”

“…DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) of Cl is 3.6 g/d. Chlorine helps man to digest his food properly and to absorb other important elements and that he need to survive (Kaur et al, 2012). Excessive chloride levels on the other side can results in water retention.…”

“…Acacia catechu and Senna occidentalis has sufficient concentration of Mn (Table 2). Mn is very essential trace element used for reproduction and normal ducting of the central nervous system (Kaur et al, 2012). It is mainly present in mitochondria.…”

“…Cu is the third largest trace element found in human body (after Iron and Zinc). It is a major component of the oxygen carrying part of blood cells (Kaur et al, 2012) and main constituent of bone, connective tissues, brain, heart and other body organs (Morabad et al, 2013). The concentration of Cu is high in all the selected plant materials and Cu has very high in Acacia catechu plant sample (27.77 ppm) (Figure 4g).…”