Determination of essential and non-essential elements in Xylanthemum macropodum of Balochistan, Pakistan

• Main Authors: Maria Bibi, Samiullah Khan, Attiq-Ur-Rehman Kakar, Naqeebullah Khan, Abdul Hakeem Tareen, Sahifa Bibi, Habiba Taj
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University 2021-06-01
• Series: Baghdad Journal of Biochemistry and Applied Biological Sciences
• Subjects: AAS; Flame photometer; Heavy metals; Xylanthemum macropodum
• Online Access: https://bjbabs.org/index.php/bjbabs/article/view/39

Background: Medicinal plants have been used to treat various diseases for several years throughout the world. Xylanthemum macropodum is a medicinal plant with a vast application as a home remedy in Balochistan. Objective: The current study was conducted to determine the levels of essential and non-essential elements in Xylanthemum macropodum collected from Quetta (Balochistan, Pakistan). Methods: Analysis was conducted for eleven elements by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and flame photometer. Results: The essential and non-essential elements that were detected in Xylanthemum macropodum are K, Na, Ca, Fe, Cu, Co, Ni, Mn, Cr, Cd and Pb, respectively. The result of the concentration of determined elements are in the order of K> Na> Ca> Fe> Cu> Co> Ni> Mn> Cd> Cr> Pb in Xylanthemum macropodum 3000> 1600> 790.25> 92.36> 85.31> 49.24> 40.94> 20.94> 6.655> 1.61> 1.18 µg/g respectively. Conclusions: Mn, Na and Pb were found within the permissible limit given by World Health Organization, while Ca, Cu, Fe, Ni, Cd and Cr were beyond the permissible limits. However, there is no permissible limit for K and Co.