STUDY ON THE ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF CLINOPODIUM VULGARE L. MEDICINAL PLANT, COLLECTED FROM DIFFERENT REGIONS OF BULGARIA

V. Mihaylova, R. Djingova, K. Bardarov

Abstract: The elemental composition of the medicinal plant Clinopodium vulgare L., collected from 15 regions of Bulgaria, was studied by ICP-MS and FAAS techniques and data for the concentrations of 19 elements in leaves, blossoms and stems of the plant are presented. Percentage of water extractable part of elements from their total content in plant organs are calculated as well, permitting assessment of the intakes for elements, when the plant is used as tea. highest concentrations for most of the elements were measured in leaves, where the order of concentrations is Ca > K > Mg > Al > Fe > Na > Zn > Mn > B > Sr > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Ce > La > Cd. Cadmium as a toxic ingredient has highest (up to 95% from leaves) extractability in water infusions which implies the necessity to control its concentration in the herb. The investigated plants were collected from industry free regions and the data can be used as mean background values for this plant in Bulgaria.

Keywords: Clinopodium vulgare L.; elemental composition; ICP-MS analysis; medicinal plant; water infusions

Date published: 2017-09-08