ICP-MS assisted heavy metal analysis, phytochemical, proximate and antioxidant activities of Mimosa pudica L

Abstract

Medicinal plants and traditional herbal treatments have been emerging as a source of highly recommended yet scientific method of disease management. Mimosa pudica Linn, the chosen plant is a commonly seen, ornamental plant also known as shy plant, touch me not, etc. Heavy metals are naturally occurring in the environment. Heavy metals exposure can cause severe health issues sometimes even lead to death in human beings. The prime aim of this work was to evaluate the presence of trace elements and heavy metals in the plant. ICP-MS was the technique employed in elemental analysis. The soil where the plant grew was also tested for mineral quantification. Flower extract of the M. pudica was also used for phytochemical analysis, proximate analysis, antibacterial activity and antioxidant activity. Elemental analysis showed that the concentration of elements in the plant was found to be in the increasing order of Cu > K > Ca > Mg > Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cr > Co > As > Cd. The values of Ni, K, Pb and Cu were slightly beyond the permissible limit. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the major classes of phytochemicals which includes, glycosides, phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, proteins, alkaloids etc. Proximate analysis expresses the physicochemical nature of the sample. The results of antioxidant activity showed a positive result. Hence the study emerges with good results suggesting that Mimosa pudica is a strong candidate in the herbal medicinal field.