Levels of trace metals content of crude ethanol leaf extract of globimetula oreophila (Hook. f) danser growing on Azadirachta indica using atomic absorption spectroscopy

Abstract

Globimetula oreophila is a parasitic plant that is widely used in the treatment of various ailments including malaria, hypertension, cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, and as a diuretic agent. The present study is aimed at analyzing and documenting the level of trace and toxic metals in the crude ethanolic leaf extract of G. oreophila. After collection and authentication, the leaves were air-dried, mashed into powder, weighed, and extracted using 70% ethanol. Crude extract (0.5g) was digested with HNO3: HCl (3:1); then heated to 200 ºC and analyzed for its metal content by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Fe had the highest concentration (32.73mg/kg), while Pb was not detected. The concentrations of Co, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Cd detected were 5.97, 10.8, 8.0,1, and 0.9 mg/kg respectively. The concentrations of Cd, Fe, and Ni were above the permissible limit of FAO/WHO.