First series transition elemental analysis in some therapeutically important medicinal plants by AAS method

Abstract

Medicinal plants are known to have potential value and used them in herbal medicines. The therapeutic effect of medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases is based on the chemical compounds in them plants. The major components are organic compounds, with biological activity, but none of them act efficiently as and crude fractions have a better efficacy and exhibit synergetic effects. Then medicinal plants contain metal which are useful as well as toxic at higher doses. Hence, ten important medicinal plants are selected from the North Karnataka India literature to study the metal contents by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The selected traditional and popular medicinal plants are Ocimum sanctumL,Catharanthusroseus L, TrigonellafoenumgraecumL, AzadirachtaindicaA. Juss and Aeglemarmelos Roxb, Zingiber officinalis L, Emblica officinalis L, Anacardium occidentale L, Momordicacharantia L and Syzygiumcumini L. The metal contents of, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn was studied by AAS and suggests that the monitoring of trace elements in these medicinal plants does not exceed the limiting values set by World Health Organization values. Hence, these medicinal plants can be safely used for medical purposes.