Determination of constituent elements in some Nigerian medicinal plants by thermal-neutron activation analysis

Abstract

This study of the inorganic chemical composition of 10 different Nigerian medicinal plant species, using the technique of instrumental neutron activation analysis /INAA/, resulted in the determination of the concentrations of 18 major, minor, and trace elements: Al, Ba, Br, Ca, Cl, Eu, Fe, Ga, K, La, Mn, Na, Sb, Sc, Si, Sm, V, and Zn. The parts of the plants used were roots, leaves, and bark. The NBS SRM 1571 Orchard Leaves was also analyzed to assess the accuracy of the procedures used.