Abstract

Detection of heavy metals from leaf powders of Annona squamosa Linn., Daturametel Linn. and Vitex negundo Linn. using ICP-OES technique

Author(s): Abhishek L.Sharma, Sunita Shailajan

Heavy metal content in leaf powders of Annona squamosa Linn., Datura metel Linn., Vitex negundo Linn. was analyzed with the help of ‘Inductively Coupled Plasma- Optical Emission Spectroscopy’ as a safety measure of the plants for use in a polyherbal combination. The above mentioned three plants have insecticidal properties and they are used against head lice. The heavymetals determined in three leaf powders were Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni and Zn. Mercury was not detected in any of the three leaf powders. Concentration ofNickel exceeded the normal range in Annona squamosa Linn. (6.05 ppm), Datura metel Linn. (22.86 ppm), and Vitex negundo Linn. (6.92 ppm). The concentrations of Copper were within the range in Annona squamosa Linn. (10.34 ppm) and Vitex negundo Linn. (9.77 ppm), while itwasmaximumin Datura metel Linn. (25.07 ppm). Lead concentrationwaswithin the normal range in leaf powders of Annona squamosa Linn. (6.82 ppm) and Vitex negundo Linn. (5.75 ppm) while itwas found tomaximumin leaf powder of Datura metel Linn. (20.40 ppm). Zinc concentration was within the normal range in all the three plants and they ranged 12.17 ppm in Annona squamosa Linn., 53.09 ppminDaturametel Linn. and 26.52 ppminVitex negundo Linn.