Informatics Publishing Limited

Nikita K. Bhandarkar ¹, M. B. Kekare ², Parikshit Champanerkar ², Vikas V. Vaidya ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Chemistry, Kirti M. Doongursee College, Dadar, Mumbai-400 028, IN
2 Industrial Coordination Centre, Ramarain Ruia College, Matunga, Mumbai-400 019, IN

Abstract

Many mineral elements occur in animal and plant tissues in very minute quantities, which earlier were unable to be measured precisely by analytical methods then available. Modern analytical technique like inductively coupled plasma has the ability to measure almost all the trace elements in smallest of biological samples with great precision and accuracy. There is also a need for heavy metal analysis to be an integral part of the standardization of herbal medicine. Bauhinia variegata has been used against various ailments of which leucoderma, leprosy and asthma are few to name. Five common heavy metals As, Cr, Mg ,Pb and Zn were analysed by inductively coupled plasma in whole plant powder of Bauhinia variegata, and magnesium was found to have the highest concentration.

Keywords

Heavy Metals, Bauhinia variegata, Herbal Medicine, Inductively Coupled Plasma, Phytoremediation, Metalloenzymes.

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Kapil M. Dalvi ¹, Vikas V. Vaidya ¹, M. B. Kekare ¹, Parikshit Champanerkar ¹, Willy Shah ¹

Affiliations
1 Industrial Coordination Centre, Ramnarain Ruia College, Matunga, Mumbai-400 019, IN

Abstract

Many mineral elements occur in plant and animal tissues in very minute quantities, which earlier scientists were unable to measure their precise concentration with analytical methods then available. Modern analytical technique like atomic absorption spectroscopy has the ability to measure almost all the trace elements in the smallest of biological samples with great precision and accuracy. There is also a need for heavy metal analysis to be an integral part of the standardization of herbal medicines. Leucas aspera is a herb with white colour flowers, largely occurring in plains.It has been used against various ailments of which anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activities and diabetes are few to name. Five common heavy metals Fe, Zn, Cr, Cu and Pb were analysed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Among the five metals analyzed in whole plant powder of Leucas aspera, Fe showed higher concentration while others were within the normal range.

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