Assessment of macronutrients and heavy metals in <i>Fagonia cretica</i> Linn of Pakistan by atomic spectroscopy

Abstract

The macronutrients and heavy metals content of different parts of a locally found herb named Fagonia cretica, an important medicinal herb, were investigated. Al, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Sr and Zn were measured in roots, shoots, leaves, spines and flowers/fruits of the plant. The analysis was carried out by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The results revealed that the Fagonia cretica accumulate the elemental contents at different parts. The accuracy of the method was checked by analysing a certified reference material and the results were in agreement with the enumerate value. The presence of a certain set of elements at percentage level like Ca, K and Mg is useful for strengthening of bones and body. Other elements important from health perspective including Al, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, Sr and Zn are found at ppm levels in all parts of the plant.

KEY WORDS: Fagonia cretica, Macronutrients, Heavy metals, ICP-OES, AAS

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2014, 28(2), 177-185.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v28i2.2