Determination of essential and non essential elements in some medicinal plants by polarised X rays fluorescence spectrometer (EDPXRF)

In this study the elemental composition of some medicinal plants used in Italy by polarised X rays fluorescence spectrometer (EDPXRF) was evaluated. EDPXRF is a simultaneous, reliable, sensitive, quantitative multielemental and non-destructive technique, suitable for routine analysis due to minimal sample preparation. This technique has been used successfully by various authors for the characterization of different complex matrices. The elements taken into account are 23 subdivided in essential (macro and micro) and nonessential or toxic. Among the essential elements estimated in the present work we found the micro and trace elements (Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cl, Br, I) and macro elements (K, Mg, Ca, P, S); along the nonessential elements and the toxic elements Al, Rb, Sr, As, Cd, Sn, Pb and Hg are taken into account. Although the direct linkage between elemental concentration in plants and their reported curative potentials is yet to be established, information on the levels of inorganic elements in plants is important in understanding the pharmacological and toxicological actions of medicinal plants in general.The results obtained in the analysis of some medicinal plants showed the presence of essential elements that could enhance the curative process of ill health, as well as the presence of potentially toxic elements.