Multi-elemental analysis of Ziziphora clinopodioides from different regions, periods and parts using atomic absorption spectrometry and chemometric approaches

ICP-OES assessment of trace and toxic elements in Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. from Iran by chemometric approaches

The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentrations of some essential and toxic elements (including Ca, K, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Co, Mo, Pb, Ni, Cr, and Cd) in Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. (endemic Iranian herb) from 14 different regions by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry) method followed by multivariate statistical analyses. The analytical performances were assessed as the limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), precision, and accuracy. Multivariate analysis (CA, PCA and HCA) showed the elemental distribution in the roots were higher than the shoots and significant element was Ca between regions. Three principal components (PCs) explained 77.94% of the total variance. They were as follows: PC1 with Cu, Zn, K, Cr, Ni, and Mn; PC2 with Na, Ca, Pb, and Fe; and PC3 with Mg. Hierarchical cluster analysis indicated four groups of Z. clinopodioides samples from the 14 regions based on their trace and toxic element levels. These chemometric approaches with multivariate analysis enable researchers to understand and quantify the relationship between the variables in a data set, and the analysis considers more than one factor. The concentrations of Cu, Na, Mn, Zn, and Pb in most Z. clinopodioides samples were below the WHO (world health organization) limit for herbal medicines (10, 51,340, 200, 50, and 10 µg g^-1 respectively), while Fe and Ca levels were higher than allowed (15 and 614 µg g^-1 respectively). However, the WHO limit for Mg, K, Co, and Mo in medicinal plants has not yet been determined. The results of this study confirmed that different parts of Z. clinopodioides can be used as an important source for human nutrition due to its essential mineral elements.

Qualitative and Quantitative Content Determination of Macro-Minor Elements in Bryonia Alba L. Roots using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Technique

PURPOSE

To determine the elements in Bryonia alba L. roots, collected from the Crimean Peninsula region in Ukraine.

METHODS

Dry ashing was used as a flexible method and all elements were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) equipped with flame and graphite furnace.

RESULTS

The average concentrations of the determined elements, expressed as mg/100 g dry weight of the sample, were as follow: 13.000 for Fe, 78.000 for Si, 88.000 for P, 7.800 for Al, 0.130 for Mn, 105.000 for Mg, 0.030 for Pb, 0.052 for Ni, 0.030 for Mo, 210.000 for Ca, 0.130 for Cu, 5.200 for Zn, 13.000 for Na, 1170.000 for K, 0.780 for Sr, 0.030 for Co, 0.010 for Cd, 0.010 for As, and 0.010 for Hg. Toxic elements such as Cd and Pb were also found but at very low concentration. Among the analyzed elements, K was the most abundant followed by Ca, Mg, P, Si, Fe, Na, and Zn, whereas Hg, As, Cd, Co, Mo, and Pb were found in low concentration.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that the roots of Bryonia alba L. plant has potential medicinal property through their high element contents present. Moreover, it showed that the AAS method is a simple, fast, and reliable for the determination of elements in plant materials. The obtained results of the current study provide justification for the usage of such fruit in daily diet for nutrition and for medicinal usage in the treatment of various diseases.