Abstract
Concept of trace elements being “the Inorganic Switches” has evolved during last several decades. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicinal system also emphasises the importance of minor and trace elements in human health and disease. To evaluate elemental contents of some commonly used to cure general weakness, 3 medicine herbs namely Beezband (seeds), Gok-shur (fruit) and Talmakhana (seeds) have been analyzed for four minor (Na, K, Mg and Ca) and eight trace elements (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cd) by atomic absorption spectrometry and flame photometry. Their accuracy was measured by replicate analyses. In general, elemental contents were found in varying amounts with large range. It is observed that many of medicinal herbs are enriched in one or more elements. Since these elements are bioavailable in natural form, probably in combination with organic constituents, these are likely to be easily assimilated by human Bodies. Besides them, two toxic elements Ni and Cd were also found in insignificant amounts as these are likely to have originated from environmental contamination.
Highlights
There are ample evidences of herbs being used in the treatment of diseases and for revitalising body system in almost all ancient civilizations [1,2,3,4,5]
Zhang [26] employed FAAS for determining Zn, Mn and Cu in chinese medicinal herbs and drugs used in treatment of kidney diseases
In the present study we have attempted to analyse specific parts of 3 herbal medicines which are often recommended as to cure general weakness
Summary
There are ample evidences of herbs being used in the treatment of diseases and for revitalising body system in almost all ancient civilizations [1,2,3,4,5]. Proteins and carbohydrates required for human growth, supply of optimum quantities of inorganic micronutrients is essential [10,11] Several micronutrients such as Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn etc., constitute a small fraction of our diet and play an important role in metabolic processes. Wang et al [25] used ICP-MS for determined metal contents in several TCMs. Zhang [26] employed FAAS for determining Zn, Mn and Cu in chinese medicinal herbs and drugs used in treatment of kidney diseases. Further Sondhi et al [32,33,34] have determined 20 elements in Ayurvedic bhasmas (medicine) used for the treatment of bronchitis, kidney and bladder disorder, skin diseases and Gonorrhoea by employing AAS, ICP-AES and flame photometer.
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