Abstract
The quality of some medicinal plants and their water extracts from South East Serbia is determined on the basis of metal content using atomic absorption spectrometry. The two methods were used for the preparation of water extracts, to examine the impact of the preparation on the content of metals in them. Content of investigated metals in both water extracts is markedly lower then in medicinal plants, but were higher in water extract prepared by method (I), with exception of lead content. The coefficients of extraction for the observed metal can be represented in the following order: Zn > Mn > Pb > Cu > Fe. Correlation coefficients between the metal concentration in the extract and total metal content in plant material vary in the range from 0.6369 to 0.9956. This indicates need the plants to be collected and grown in the unpolluted area and to examine the metal content. The content of heavy metals in the investigated medicinal plants and their water extracts is below the maximum allowable values, so they are safe to use.
Highlights
The quality of some medicinal plants and their water extracts from southeast Serbia was determined on the basis of metal content using atomic absorption spectrometry
The Cd and Ni concentration in water extracts prepared by methods I and II was too low to be detected by AAS
Metal contents in medicinal plants from the region of southeast Serbia (Hypericum perforatum L., Saturea montana L., Calendula officinalis L., Origanum vulgare L., Crataegus laevigata L., and Prunus spinosa L.) and water extracts prepared from them by two methods were investigated by AAS
Summary
The quality of some medicinal plants and their water extracts from southeast Serbia was determined on the basis of metal content using atomic absorption spectrometry. The growing interest in plant beverages all over the world would be connected with polyphenol antioxidative activity, fighting the harmful influence of environmentally generated free radicals [1] Medicinal plants and their extracts containing many essential and nonessential elements provided from the soil were grown. Many elements play a vital role in the metabolic processes and in the general well-being of humans, but some can be toxic Heavy metals such as copper (Cu) are essential to maintain metabolism of the human body, but at higher concentration they can lead to poisoning and can cause kidney and liver damage. Nickel (Ni) is needed in small amounts to produce red blood cells, but at higher concentration it becomes mildly toxic It can cause heart and liver damage. Recommended daily intake < 20 mg 1000 mg 3400 mg (in chloride form) 120 μg 2 mg 3,5 mg 150 μg 15 mg 350 mg 5 mg 75 μg < 1 mg 35 μg 2400 mg < 1,8 mg 15 mg
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
