Abstract
Heavy metals such as Cr, Fe, Zn, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cu and Cd, and inorganic ions like HCO3-, CO3 2-, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, Na+, SO42-, NO3-, Fe2+ and F- were investigated in medicinally important plants: Taraxacam officinale, Cichorium intybus andFigonia critica, applying atomic absorption spectrophotometer techniques. In the studied herbs, there were variable amounts of heavy metals and inorganic ions. The purpose of this study was to standardize heavy metals contamination in various indigenous medicinal plants and to create awareness among the public regarding its safe use at collection areas (containing high level of heavy metals) and their adverse health effects. Key words: Medicinal plants, inorganic constituents, heavy metals, atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
Highlights
People, from all continents around the world, have used hundreds to thousands of indigenous plants for the treatment of ailments since prehistoric times
Contents of heavy metals in the medicinal plants seem to be very suitable for discussion
A heavy metal is a member of an ill-defined subset of elements that exhibit metallic properties, which would mainly include the transition metals, some metalloids, lanthanides and
Summary
From all continents around the world, have used hundreds to thousands of indigenous plants for the treatment of ailments since prehistoric times. A heavy metal is a member of an ill-defined subset of elements that exhibit metallic properties, which would mainly include the transition metals, some metalloids, lanthanides and actinides (Jann, 2004; Hutchings et al, 2003).Living organisms require varying amounts of heavy metals (iron, cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum and zinc) (Vijver et al, 2001). Excessive levels of these metals can damage the organisms.
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