Study of some Indian medicinal plants by application of INAA and AAS techniques

doi:10.4236/ns.2010.21004

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Vol.2, No.1, 26-32 (2010) Natural Science

http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/ns.2010.21004

Study of some Indian medicinal plants by application of

INAA and AAS techniques

Ram Lokhande1, Pravin Singare2*, Mahadeo Andhele1, Raghunath Acharya3

1Department of Chemistry, University of Mumbai, Mumbai, India

2Department of Chemistry, Bhavan’s College, Mumbai, India; [email protected]

3Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India

Received 15 September 2009; revised 18 October 2009; accepted 20 October 2009.

ABSTRACT

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA)

and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)

techniques were used to analyze 18 elements

(K, Mn, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Br, Sm, Cl, La, Al,

Cr, Ca Cd, Ni, Pb and Hg) in different medici-

nal plants often used in Indian Ayurvedic

system. The samples were irradiated with

thermal neutrons in a nuclear reactor and the

induced activities were counted by γ-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 ele-

ments under study. The elemental concentra-

tion in different part of medicinal plants and

their biological effects on human beings are

discussed.

Keywords: Instrumental Neutron Activation

Analyses; Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy;

Medicinal Plants; Trace Elemental Analysis;

Inter-Elemental Correlations

1. INTRODUCTION

There are many references to the curative properties of

several herbs in the ancient Indian literature, Rigveda,

though a more detailed account is found in the Athar-

vaveda from where Ayurveda, the Indian traditional

health care system (ayus=life, veda=knowledge, mean-

ing science of life) originated. Fairly comprehensive

information about herbs has been recorded in two trea-

tises Charak Samhita and Shusruta Samhita-a base for

Ayurvedic system of medicine [1,2]. These herbs are

now being increasingly used in cosmetics, food as well

as alternative medicine [3]. Some of the ingredients of

allopathic and most of the Ayurvedic and Homeopathy

medicines are derived from plants. Traditional Indian

medical herbs used for strengthening the body immune

system are known to have many essential and nutritional

elements. Their excess or deficiency may disturb normal

biochemical functions of the body [4]. Some western

scholars have pursued the analysis of various Indian

plants and herbs for their medicinal properties [5]. Most

studies on such medicinal plants pertain to their organic

contents, viz. essential oils, glycosides, vitamins, alka-

loids and other active components and their pharmacol-

ogical/therapeutic effects. Besides, several organic com-

pounds, it is now well established that many trace ele-

ments play a vital role in general well-being as well as in

the cure of diseases [6,7]. Several studies have reported

elemental contents in plant extracts, which are consumed

by us either as an herbal health drink or medicine [8-10].

These elements are presented at varying concentrations

in different parts of the plants, especially in roots, seeds

and leaves which are used as a dietary item as well as

ingredient in the Ayurvedic medicinal preparation. The

leaves of the plants are still used in some countries, as

for instance, in Malaysia [11], Greece [12] and India [13]

particularly for their therapeutic effects. Since these

trace elements constitute a minute fraction in different

parts of the medicinal plants, a sensitive and reliable

analytical technique is a prerequisite for obtaining pre-

cise and accurate data.

Considering the importance of trace elements in vari-

ous human metabolic processes and also considering

their curative properties, in the present investigation we

have applied one of the sensitive analytical techniques

like INAA to study the essential elemental content in

different parts of Indian medicinal plants and herbs. The

overall impact of these essential trace elements on hu-

man health is also discussed. Due to increasing indus-

trialization and environmental pollution, the study was

also extended to estimate the level of toxic elements

present in these medicinal plant samples. Even though

the direct link between the essential elemental content

and their curative capacity is not yet established, the

experimental data of the present work will be of im-

R. Lokhande et al. / Natural Science 2 (2010) 26-32

mense importance in the synthesis of new Ayurvedic

formulations. Also, it will help in deciding the propor-

tion of various active constituents and managing dose of

a particular formulation.

2. EXPERIMENTAL

2.1. Sampling

The various medicinal plants (Table 1) in the form of

leaves and roots were collected from and around the

Keshav Shrushti, Bhayander and Narsing K. Dube Col-

lege, Nalasopara, Maharashtra, India. Surface contami-

nants of the plant samples were removed by washing

with deionized water twice and then with deionized

double distilled water. The leaves were air dried in a

clean drying chamber and then dried at 80oC for over-

night in an oven. The samples were powdered in agate

mortar and passed through 100-mesh sieve. Sampling

was done from this powder.

2.2. Irradiation and Counting

About 50-80 mg of each sample was sealed in a poly-

ethylene cover. Samples, reference standard and control

sample were packed together and irradiated in the E8

position of the Apsara reactor, BARC. Irradiation time

was varied between 30 min and 7 h depending on the

half lives of the activation products. The sub-cadmium

neutron flux in this position is in the order of 1x1012cm-2

s-1. The samples were also irradiated at Dhruva reactor

for 1 d in order to determine the elemental concentration

of the long-lived radionuclides, such as Fe. The short

irradiation and counting were conducted at the reactor

site followed by spectra unfolding at the Radiochemistry

Division of BARC, Mumbai. The radionuclides used for

the analysis and their γ energies are given in Table 2. All

the samples and SRMs were counted at a calibrated

sample-detector distance from a HPGe detector (Ortec)

with 25% relative efficiency and 2.1 keV resolution at

1332.5 keV of 60Co line, which was connected, to an

IBM PC XT computer system. Most of the short lived

isotopes contributing to the dead time belong to the ele-

ments present in major Ca and minor Al levels. The

presence of different elements analyzed in various me-

dicinal plants was confirmed by measuring their charac-

teristic γ-ray energy as well as half lives which are in

Table 1. Medicinal plant samples selected for the study.

Sample Number Local NameBotanical Name Parts of plants: Medicinal use

1 Karranj Beej Pongamia pinnata

Seed: Cough, skin diseases, flatulence, diarrhoea, cough, arthritis,

ulcers, wounds, diabetes, inflammation, low back pain, fever, hem-

orrhoids, and anemia. Seed oil is also used as insecticidal, nemati-

cidal and bactericidal

2 Kutaja

Holarrhena

antidysenterica

Seed: Constipation, Piles, acidity, diarrhoea, dysentery, hemorrhage,

hemorrhoids, amoebiasis, hepatitis and skin diseases.

3 Jaiphal Myristica fragrans

Seed: Constipation, in treating dehydration caused by vomiting and

diarrhoea, particularly in cholera. It is used as an excellent sex tonic.

It is used in treatment of insomnia, irritability, depression, skin dis-

eases like ringworm and eczema.

It is aromatic, carminative, digestive, anti-inflammatory, diuretic,

lactagogue, aphrodisiac, hypnotic, hallucinogenic, antispasmodic

and stimulant agent. Helps relieving flatulency, useful in nausea,

stomachache, vomiting, diarrhoea associated with cholera. Also

useful in diseases of the liver, spleen, headaches, palsy and eye trou-

bles.

Nutmeg oil stimulates the heart and circulation, activates the mind

and relives people from fainting spells. The oil has good

anti-inflammatory action, and is also successful in relieving pain,

especially muscular aches and pain, as well as rheumatism.

4 Krishna

Jiraka

Carum bulbocas-

tanum

Seed: Appetizer, in dyspeptic problems, such as mild, sapstic condi-

tions of the gastrointestinal tract, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of

India recommended the seed in chronic fevers. Seed oil shows mod-

erate antibacterial and antifungal activity against several bacteria and

fungi. Mixed with alcohol and castor oil, it is used for scabies.

5 Babbul Acacia arabica

Fruit: Epilepsy, Insomnia, Diarrhoea, teeth disorders, eczema, tonsil-

litis, conjunctivitis, epiphora, leucorrhoea, used in toothpastes and

gargles.

R. Lokhande et al. / Natural Science 2 (2010) 26-32

Table 2. Radionuclides used for the analysis and their γ-en-

ergies.

Nuclide γ- ray energy in keV

42K 1524.0

56Mn 847.0

24Na 1368.0

59Fe 1099.0

65Zn 1115.0

64Cu 1040.0

60Co 1332.0

82Br 776.0

153Sm, 103.0

38Cl 1642.0

140La 1596.0

28Al 1779.0

Thermal neutron flux: 1012-1013 n cm-2 s-1.

good agreement with the literature values. Radioactivity

measuring times were chosen not to exceed 0.2 times the

half lives of the radionuclide of interest. Long irradiated

samples were brought to Radiochemistry Laboratory at

Mumbai University and γ-activity was measured.

Counting was followed for 1, 2, 6 and 12 h at different

intervals up to 3m. Care was taken to obtain maximum

elemental information from more than one counting and

the reproducibility of data was checked. Elemental con-

centrations of various Ayurvedic medicinal plants were

calculated by relative method using control and refer-

ence multielemental standard as comparators.

2.3. Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS)

Measurement

The samples in the powdered form were accurately

weighed and digested in (5:1) mixture of nitric acid and

perchloric acid [14]. After digestion few drops of con-

centrated HCl was added. The solution was heated gently

and then filtered. The residue was again subjected to di-

gestion and filtrate was collected. The entire filtrate was

diluted suitably with distilled deionized water. The dilute

filtrate solution was used for analysis of elements of in-

terest (Cr, Ca, Cd, Ni, Pb and Hg) by AAS (Perkin Elmer

3100 model) using suitable hollow cathode lamps. The

elements were analyzed by AAS technique by measuring

the absorbance of the species at its resonance wavelength.

The concentration of various elements was determined by

relative method using A.R. grade solutions of elements of

interest. The standard conditions for atomic absorption

measurement are represented in Table 3.

2.4. Quality Control

To provide quality control biological reference material,

namely, Polish CRM Virginia Tobacco Leaves (CTA-

VTL-2) was used. The concentrations of all the elements

investigated in this study are well certified in the refer-

ence material. The SRMs of biological origin were ana-

Table 3. Standard conditions for atomic absorption measure-

ment.

Element Wavelength

Slit width

Sensitivity

check ppm

Lamp current

Cr 357.9 0.2 4.0 7.0

Ca 422.9 0.5 4.0 10.0

Cd 228.8 0.5 1.5 4.0

Ni 232.0 0.5 7.0 4.0

Pb 283.6 0.5 20.0 5.0

Hg 253.7 0.5 200.0 4.0

lyzed for quality control and method validation. It was

observed that most elemental contents are within±10%

of the certified values. Standard deviations were also

relatively small. The values listed in Table 4 (which are

averages of three independent measurements) are having

the precision of ~ ± 2 to 10%.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

An examination of the data from Table 4 shows that

different medicinal plants contain elements like K,Mn,

Na,Fe,Zn,Cu,Co,Br,Sm,Cl,La,Al,Cr,Ca,Cd,Ni,Pb and Hg

in various proportions. The variation in elemental con-

centration is mainly attributed to the differences in bo-

tanical structure, as well as in the mineral composition of

the soil in which the plants are cultivated. Other factors

responsible for a variation in elemental content are pref-

erential absorbability of the plant, use of fertilizers, irri-

gation water and climatological conditions [15].

An examination of the data from Table 4 indicates

that fruits of Babbul contain high K (8.79 mg/g), and

low Na (0.08 mg/g) concentration. The K content is low

in seeds of Kutaja (1.06mg/g), while Na content is to the

maximum of 0.90 mg/g in seeds of Jaiphal. It is impor-

tant here to note that the regulation of potassium is inti-

mately involved with that of sodium and the two are

largely interdependent. Potassium is accumulated within

human cells by the action of the Na+, K+-ATPase (so-

dium pump) and it is an activator of some enzymes; in

particular co-enzyme for normal growth and muscle

function [16].

The calcium content in various medicinal plants

analyzed varies from 1.58 mg/g in Karranj Beej to 15.1

mg/g in Kutaja. Calcium is essential for healthy bones,

teeth and blood [17,18]. The health of the muscles and

nerves depends on calcium. It is required for the ab-

sorption of dietary vitamin B, for the synthesis of the

neurotransmitter acetylcholine, for the activation of

enzymes such as the pancreatic lypase. The recom-

mended daily dietary allowance of Ca for children is

between 500 and 1000 mg, and 800 mg for adults. The

appreciable high Ca content in fruits of Babbul sug-

gests its possible use in toothpastes and gargles to

overcome deficiency of Ca.

R. Lokhande et al. / Natural Science 2 (2010) 26-32

Table 4. Elemental analysis of some medicinal plants by NAA and AAS techniques.

Elements

Name of

the me-

dicinal

plant

(Botanical

name)

Parts used

(mg/g)

(μg/g)

(mg/g)

(μg/g)

(mg/g)

(μg/g)

(mg/g)

Cr †

(μg/g)

Ca †

(mg/g)

Cd †

(μg/g)

Ni †

(μg/g)

Pb †

(μg/g)

Hg †

(μg/g)

Karranj

Beej

(Pongamia

pinnata)

Seed

1.75

(±0.10)

28.54

(±1.50)

0.85

(±0.03)

601

(±37)

75.30

(±3.67)

0.64

(±0.04)

(±4.7)

8.16

(±0.3)

0.66

(±0.04)

2.27

(±0.14)

0.73

(±0.04)

0.33

(±0.02)

2.11

(±0.13)

1.58

(±0.10)

3.00

(±0.14)

4.90

(±0.21)

1.30

(±0.08)

3.10

(±0.14)

Kutaja

(Holarrhena

antidysen-

terica)

Seed

1.06

(±0.08)

49.20

(±2.19)

0.43

(±0.02)

382

(±21)

46.90

(±2.76)

2.44

(±0.13)

6.2

(±0.4)

0.27

(±0.01)

0.33

(±0.02)

2.60

(±0.13)

8.44

(±0.51)

2.45

(±0.14)

1.80

(±0.11)

15.1

(±1.2)

3.10

(±0.19)

3.60

(±0.15)

0.90

(±0.04)

4.32

(±0.21)

Jaiphal

(Myristica

fragrans)

Seed

1.24

(±0.10)

98.10

(±5.55)

0.90

(±0.06)

261

(±23)

95.0

(±4.7)

4.25

(±0.22)

18.0

(±1.1)

9.14

(±0.27)

0.10

(±0.01)

2.53

(±0.11)

0.84

(±0.06)

3.11

(±0.21)

0.80

(±0.04)

5.46

(±0.41)

4.40

(±0.28)

1.65

(±0.08)

1.30

(±0.07) ND

Krishna

Jiraka

(Carum

Bulbo-

castanum)

Seed

1.39

(±0.11)

188.10

(±9.97)

0.22

(±0.01)

274

(±25)

40.2

(±2.1)

2.11

(±0.15)

8.9

(±0.3)

10.2

(±0.8)

0.42

(±0.02)

0.14

(±0.01) ND 0.77

(±0.03)ND 2.77

(±0.12)

1.80

(±0.09)

0.66

(±0.03)

1.20

(±0.08) ND

Babbul

(Acacia

Arabica)

Fruit

8.79

(±0.30)

89.0

(±4.0)

0.08

(±0.002)

261

(±24)

73.5

(±3.7)

21.4

(±1.6)

2.8

(±0.1)

21.6

(±1.3)

0.31

(±0.02)

6.12

(±0.28) ND 1.22

(±0.10)

2.71

(±0.13)

12.6

(±1.0)

1.21

(±0.07)

5.04

(±0.21)

1.00

(±0.05)

0.10

(±0.001)

CTA

VTL-2

(Virginia

Tobacco

Leaves)

[10.3]

{10.0}

(±0.09)

[79.7]

{80.2}

(±7.5)

[0.312]

{0.308}

(±0.02)

[1083]

{1100}

(±104)

[43.3]

{44.1}

(±2.7)

[18.2]

{18.9}

(±0.9)

[0.429]

{0.445}

(±0.02)

[14.3]

{15.2}

(±1.0)

[0.157]

{0.162}

(±0.01)

[7.43]

{7.25}

(±0.31)

[1.01]

{1.07}

(±0.08)

[1.682]

{1.704}

(±0.07)

[1.87]

{1.79}

(±0.09)

[36.0]

{35.4}

(±1.9)

[1.52]

{1.53}

(±0.06)

[1.98]

{2.01}

(±0.10)

[22.1]

{22.9}

(±1.1)

[0.048]

{0.050}

(±0.002)

†Elements detected by AAS technique; (±) Standard deviation; [ ] Certified values; { } Measured values; ND=Not detected.

The elements like Zn, Fe and Cr are essential trace

elements (micro nutrients) for living organisms. Zinc is

relatively non-toxic [19]. Zinc deficiency is character-

ized by recurrent infections, lack of immunity and poor

growth. Growth retardation, male hypogonadism, skin

changes, poor appetite and mental lethargy are some of

the manifestations of chronically zinc-deficient human

subjects [19]. Zinc is necessary for the growth and mul-

tiplication of cells (enzymes responsible for DNA and

RNA synthesis), for skin integrity, bone metabolism and

functioning of taste and eyesight [20]. From the results

obtained, it is observed that the concentration of Zn

ranges from 95.0 µg/g in Jaiphal to 40.2 µg/g in Krishna

Jirak. The high concentration of zinc in seeds of Jaiphal

suggests its possible use in sex tonic, treatment of worms,

skin disease, and eye trouble. The appreciable high Zn

content in Karranj beej and Babbul may also be helpful

in treatment of skin disease. Iron occupies a unique role

in the metabolic process. The role of iron in the body is

clearly associated with hemoglobin and the transfer of

oxygen from lungs to the tissue cells [21]. Iron defi-

ciency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in

humans [22] and is commonly caused by insufficient

dietary intake, excessive menstrual flow or multiple

births. In this case, it results especially an anemia. In

various medicinal plants samples analyzed, the Fe con-

tent was observed maximum in seeds of Karranj beej

(601µg/g) and minimum in seeds of Jaiphal and Babbul

(261µg/g). Hence the use of Karranj beej seeds in gen-

eral tonic preparation may be advised to compensate for

treatment of anemia. Chromium plays an important role

in diabetes treatment. It is an important element required

for the maintenance of normal glucose metabolism. The

function of chromium is directly related to the function

of insulin, which plays a very important role in diabetes.

Chromium is found in the pancreas, which produces

insulin. One usable form of chromium is the Glucose

Tolerance Factor (GTF) [23], an inorganic compound

containing glutamic acid, cysteine and niacin. The ab-

sorption of the trivalent chromium in GTF is about 10 to

25%. It enhances the removal of glucose from the blood.

The important constituent of GTF is Cr which helps in

the potentiating of insulin [24]. Chromium also acts as

an activator of several enzymes. Deficiency of chro-

mium decreases the efficiency of insulin and increases

sugar and cholesterol in the blood. Chromium deficiency

can cause an insulin resistance, impair in glucose toler-

ance and may be a risk factor in artherosclerotic disease

[25]. From the results obtained, it is observed that Cr

content is high in fruits of Babbul (2.71 µg/g) and seeds

R. Lokhande et al. / Natural Science 2 (2010) 26-32

of Karranj beej (2.11 µg/g). Hence the use of this me-

dicinal plant may be advised for the treatment and con-

trol of diabetics.

In experiments conducted by Anke et al. [26] with

growing, gravid and lactating goats, a poor Br-nutrition

(<1 mg/g dry matter) led to a significantly reduced

growth, a worse conception rate, reduced milk fat pro-

duction and decreased hemoglobin content. The high

concentration of Br along with Fe in Karranj beej,

Jaiphal, Babbul and Krishna jiraka suggests there possi-

ble use in preparation of drugs for curing natural diuretic,

phlegm eliminating and stomach invigorating diseases

[27] and purifying breast milk. However, further inves-

tigations regarding possible essentiality of Br are neces-

sary due to the fact that Br accumulates well in plants

due to the application of agricultural chemicals such as

methyl bromide as fumigant.

The higher Mn content was observed in seeds of

Krishna jiraka (188.1 µg/g). It is important here to note

that Mn is an essential element required for various bio-

chemical processes [28]. Mn is also important for sev-

eral enzymatic processes. It helps in eliminating fatigue

and reduces nervous irritability [7,29,30]. Hence use of

Krishna jiraka seeds in medicinal preparations may help

to supplement Mn for various body functions.

The Co content was observed to be high in Karranj

beej (83.0 µg/g). Cobalt is an essential element for the

plants having the capability to fix nitrogen in the root

tubercles. Animals are able to synthesize vitamin B12,

which is the main source of Co in animal foods. Never-

theless, only a part of Co in food derived from animals is

present in the form of cobalamines. The recommended

daily intake of vitamin B12 for adults is 3 mg (0.13 mg

Co), taking into account that only 50% is absorbed in the

intestine [20]. In humans, deficiency of vitamin B12

leads to a megaloblastic anemia. Cobalt also plays an

important role in thyroid metabolism in humans. The

higher Co and Fe content in Karranj beej suggests there

use in medicinal preparation for treatment of anemia.

The elements like Hg, Pd, Cd and Ni are supposed to

be toxic in nature and their presence in trace amount in

various medicinal plant sample analyzed is due to the

pollution arising from automobile and industrial activi-

ties.

3.1. Inter-Elemental Correlations

Several literature reports suggest interrelationship of

essential elements like K, Na, Fe, Co and Zn [6,10,14].

The regulation of metal ion flows, especially of K+ and

Na+, is crucial to life and is most clearly exemplified by

the ionic movements that occur in nerve cells during

excitation and transmission of the action potential. The

regulation of potassium is intimately involved with that

of sodium and the two are largely interdependent. From

the experimental data, it is observed that K/Na ratio var-

ies between minimum of 1.4 in Jaiphal to maximum of

109.9 in Babbul. The result indicates that potassium

content is 1.4 times of sodium in Jaiphal, and 110 times

in Babbul. The variation of K/Na ratio for different plant

samples is graphically represented in Figure 1. The

transition elements Fe, Zn and Co are well known for

their role in biochemical processes [10]. Iron deficiency

is common in uremic patients, it causes substantial blood

losses. Some reports indicate that dysgeusia, poor food

intake, and impaired sexual function, which are common

problems of uremic patients, may be improved by zinc

supplements [31]. In blood, about 85% of the zinc com-

bines with protein for transport after its absorption, and

its turnover is rapid in the pancreas. Deficiency of zinc

causes diabetic hyposima, hypogeusia or coma [15]. The

availability of Zn in the range of 14.8-8.4 μg/g may be

beneficial for diabetic patients as its deficiency has been

correlated with acute and chronic mal absorption states

[30,32]. Similarly Fe is important because it eliminates

phlegm and strengthens the function of stomach. Iron is

found in body tissue enzymes and helps with energy

metabolism. It facilitates the oxidation of carbohydrates,

protein and fat to control body weight, which is very

important in diabetes [15]. The requirement of Fe for an

adult is 20 mg/day and for a child is 10 mg/day. From

the result of medicinal plants analyzed, Fe/Zn ratio var-

ies from 2.7 in Jaiphal to 8.1 in Kutaja (Figure 2). Co-

balt in the form of Vitamin B-12 is in its physiologically

active form. It is very essential to provide 3 µg per day

in the form of Vitamin B-12 for a diabetic individual. A

plot of Fe versus Co shows linear relationship (Figure 3)

with r=0.907, which represents somewhat poor relation-

ship. It is possible due to the fact that all parts of the

medicinal plants are different i.e. seeds and fruits as re-

ported by Razic et al. [33]. In general, it may be men-

tioned that interrelationship of several elements in me-

dicinal herbs suggest synergistic or antagonistic effects,

thus providing various elements to the body in bio-avail-

able form in a balanced manner with almost no harmful

effects except some environmental contaminants. These,

however, should be avoided by collecting herbs grown in

a clean and well controlled environment [10].

4. CONCLUSIONS

Although there appears to be little knowledge of the pre-

cise molecular mechanisms, many Ayurvedic prepara-

tions nevertheless appear to demonstrate significant

success in treatment of complex diseases. Presumably

Ayurvedic medicines contain trace elements in a

bio-available form and their impact on the overall phar-

macological action cannot be ruled out. Although the

direct link between elemental content and curative capa-

bility is yet to be established, such studies are vital to

understanding the pharmacological action of herbs. The

R. Lokhande et al. / Natural Science 2 (2010) 26-32

2.1 2.5 1.4 6.3

109.9

0.0

20.0

40.0

60.0

80.0

100.0

120.0

Karranj BeejKutajaJaiphalKrishna JirakaBabbul

Medicinal Plants

K/Na ratio

Figure 1. Variation of K/Na ratio in different medicinal plant samples.

8.0 8.1

2.7

6.8

3.6

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

Karranj

Beej

KutajaJaiphal Krishna

Jiraka

Babbul

Medicinal Plants

Fe/Zn ratio

Figure 2. Variation of Fe/Zn ratio in different medicinal plant samples.

0200400 600800

Concentration of Fe

Concentration of Co

Figure 3. Correlation between Fe and Co concentrations in different medicinal

plant samples. Correlation coefficient (r)=0.907.

R. Lokhande et al. / Natural Science 2 (2010) 26-32

data obtained in the present work will be helpful in the

synthesis of new Ayurvedic drugs which can be used for

the control and cure of various diseases. In order to de-

velop a stronger basis for appreciating the curative ef-

fects of medicinal plants, there is a need to investigate,

their elemental composition. It has been demonstrated

that INAA, with multi-elemental characterization over a

wide range of concentration, its blank free-nature and

minimum sample preparation is ideal for such studies.

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