Investigation of element content of some endemic medicinal aromatic plants

This study aimed to determine the metal levels of some endemic medicinal aromatic plants and compared the results obtained with National and International standards and to evaluate the risk of human health. In this study, we purchased the following herbs from herbalists in Mauritania Acacia Senegal L. Willd, Psoralea plicata, Acacia nilotica L. Willd, Hordeum vulgare L., Senna alexandrina, Balanites aegyptiaca L. Delile, Tamarindus indica L., Maytenus senegalensis, macro mineral (Ca and Mg), trace (Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe), and an ultra-trace element (Al, Pb, Cr, Co, Cd ve Ni) determinations of endemic medicinal plants were determination. The microwave digestion system was applied under optimized conditions to dissolve plant samples. The minerals and trace elements in plant samples were determined using a High Resolution Continuum Source Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (HR CS-FAAS). The accuracy of the method was tested using the standard reference material NIST SRM 1570a (Trace Elements in Spinach Leaves). The relative error between the certified values and the results obtained was determined to be less than 5%. We found element levels in investigating medicinal plants in the ranges: (0,51-16,13 mg g-1) for Ca, (2,63–6.49 mg g-1) for Mg, (11,2–200,8 μg g-1) for Al, (6,5–28,2 μg g-1) for Zn, (5,6–453,1 μg g-1) for Fe, (1,1–6,4 μg g-1) for Ni, (11,0–301,5 μg g-1) for Mn, (0,7–9,0 μg g-1) for Cu. Cr, Pb, Cd and Co levels were below the detection limit in all samples. Estimated Weekly Intake Level (EWI) and Target Hazard Ratio (THQ) were calculated by comparing element levels in plant species with National and International standards. It has been determined that the EWI values for the elements studied are lower than the Tolerable Weekly Intake Amounts (PTWI) values. THQ values were calculated less than 1 (excluding Al element). Thus, it has been decided that if the analyzed plant species are consumed, the probability of non-cancer health problems will be low for the consumer.