Multi-elemental analysis of two varieties of tulsi using EDXRF and AAS
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Date
2017-07
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G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand)
Abstract
Nowadays many medicinal plants are isolated and analysed for their medicinal properties and healing components by the researchers. Tulsi and its varieties (Rama and Shyama Tulsi) are a very important plant in the traditional medicinal system. The aim of this work was to analyse elemental content in different parts viz. leaves, stem, and roots of two varieties of Tulsi. Energy Dispersive X-Ray Florescence (EDXRF) technique was used to analyse samples of different parts of Tulsi. Ten elements viz. Mg, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn were identified and their concentrations were determined. We have also used Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) to determine the concentration of four elements Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn in various plant samples and found almost similar results as by EDXRF technique. Both varieties of Tulsi were found to be rich in the elemental content in the leaves and roots. Translocation of various elements in different parts of the plants and their biological importance for human body were discussed in brief. A comparative study of elements in leaves, stem, and roots between two varieties of Tulsi was established, and it was observed that Rama Tulsi was found richer in elemental content than Shyama Tulsi. No toxic element was detected in the both varieties of Tulsi which proves that it suitable for the medicinal use. This plant attracts a special attraction as a source of iron, especially for humans with low iron intake and for the people with low level of haemoglobin. The results of the present study provide justification for the use of Tulsi and its varieties in the treatment of several diseases since they contain a wide range of macro and micro elements in all its parts which are vital to human health. This analysis may be useful in the exploration of the medicinal importance of these two varieties of Tulsi.
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