Title: Application of INAA and AAS techniques for analysis of essential trace elements in some Indian medicinal plants

Authors: R.S. Lokhande, M.L. Andhele, P.U. Singare, R. Acharya

Addresses: Department of Chemistry, University of Mumbai, Vidyanagari, Santacruz, Mumbai-400 098, India. ' Department of Chemistry, University of Mumbai, Vidyanagari, Santacruz, Mumbai-400 098, India. ' Department of Chemistry, Bhavan's College, Andheri, Mumbai – 400058, India. ' Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400 085, India

Abstract: Specific parts (leaves and roots) of different medicinal plants often used in Indian Ayurvedic system were analysed for 18 elements (K, Mn, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Br, Sm, Cl, La, Al, Cr, Ca Cd, Ni, Pb and Hg) by employing instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) techniques. The samples were irradiated with thermal neutrons in a nuclear reactor and the induced activities were counted by gamma-ray spectrometry using efficiency calibrated high resolution High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. Most of the medicinal plants were found to be rich in one or more of the elements under study. The elemental concentration in different part of medicinal plants and their biological effects on human beings are discussed.

Keywords: instrumental neutron activation analysis; INAA; thermal neutrons; atomic absorption spectroscopy; AAS; medicinal plants; trace elemental analysis; trace elements; inter-elemental correlations; ayurvedic medicine; biological effects; curative properties; India; leaves; roots; nuclear reactors; gamma-ray spectrometry; high purity germanium detectors; potassium; manganese; sodium; iron; zinc; copper; bromine; chlorine; lanthanum; aluminium; chromium; cadmium; nickel; lead; mercury; samarium; behavioural research; healthcare research.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBHR.2009.032156

International Journal of Behavioural and Healthcare Research, 2009 Vol.1 No.4, pp.388 - 399

Published online: 11 Mar 2010 *

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