Elemental content of some anti-diabetic ethnomedicinal species of genus Ficus Linn. using atomic absorption spectrophotometry technique

Abstract

Elemental investigation of some selected species of genus Ficus (Moraceae) having anti-diabetic property was conducted using atomic absorption spectrophotometry technique. The flame atomic absorption spectroscopy was employed for the estimation of element contents of different plant parts of seven different species including Ficus bengalensis, Ficus religiosa,Ficus microcarpa, Ficus racemosa, Ficus hispida, Ficus carica and Ficus lacor content for clinical monitoring. Na, K, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Mg, Cd, Co and Pb were detected and their concentration determined. The results of the present work give the proper reasonable information for the utilization of following plants in the treatment of diabetes through ethnomedicinal as well as AAS studies. These medicinal plants were can be considered as potential sources for providing a reasonable amount of the required elements to the diabetic patients in a particular way, as they contain appreciable amounts of the certain elements which are capable for influence of insulin. It is known that these trace elements may play an important role in the antihyperglycemic properties. Key words: Ficus, diabetes mellitus, elements, atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS), medicines, medicinal plants.