@1a@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ÚÓ‘Ój�n€a@Î@Úœäñ€a@‚Ï‹»‹€@·rÓ:a@Âig@Ú‹©@Ü‹26@@ÖÜ»€a@I1@‚b«@H2013 Ibn Al-Haitham Jour. for Pure & Appl. Sci. Vol. 26 (1) 2013 Determination of Some Essential Elements in Iraqi Medicinal Herbs Intidhar D. Sulaiman Rafea K. AlKubaisy Jasm D. Salman Dept. of Chemistry/College of Education For Pure Science(Ibn Al- Haitham)/ University of Baghdad Received in : 6 May 2012 , Accepted in : 15 October 2012 Abstract The trace elements in the medical herbs play an important role in the treatment of diseases. Well selected herbs samples of Iraqi herbs and collected from local markets. In this study, the concentrations of nine elements Na,K, Zn, Fe ,Co ,Cu ,Ni , Pb and Cd were determined in fourteen kinds herbs common belonging to Matricaria Chamomile Cinnamon,Pimpinella Anisum L., Zea Maize , Anethum Graveolens L., Jeft, Teucrium Polium L., Cagsia Italica,Echium Talicum L.,Ocimum Basilcum L., Galeopsis Sejetum,Nigella Sative L., Cyperus Rotundus L.,Lupinus Jaimehintoniana.The herbs samples were analysed by flameless except Na,K, in flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer in different medical herbs.The results indicated that the Na and K elements recorded the high concentrations, while the Co element recorded the low concentration in all herbs samples. Keywords: Medicinal Herbs, Essential elements, Atomic Absorption. 234 | Chemistry @1a@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ÚÓ‘Ój�n€a@Î@Úœäñ€a@‚Ï‹»‹€@·rÓ:a@Âig@Ú‹©@Ü‹26@@ÖÜ»€a@I1@‚b«@H2013 Ibn Al-Haitham Jour. for Pure & Appl. Sci. Vol. 26 (1) 2013 Introduction Medical herbs have been used for many years to cure agreat variety of diseases. Recently, according to the world Health organization, the use of traditional herbal medicine has spread not only in the developing countries but also in the industrialized ones, as a complementary way to treat and to prevent illnesses [1]. The pharmacological properties of the medicinal plants have been attributed to the presence of active constituents which are responsible for important physiological function in living organisms. It has been reported that trace elements play an important role in the reactions which will lead to the formation of these active constituents [2]. However, a correlation between elemental composition of medicinal plants and their curative properties have not been established yet. Besides, element concentrations present in medicinal plants are of great importance to understand their pharmacological actions [3]. Analysis has revealed that medicinal plants are natural sources for trace elements. Micro- nutrien such as Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) , molybdenum (Mo) and Selenium (Se) are elements necessary for maintaining the life processes in plants and animals . The required amounts of trace elements are much lower than the required amounts of macronutrients such as Ca, Mg, K, N and P. For most essential trace elements a high in take causes toxicity. Heavy metals have recently come to the forefront dangerous substances and are considered as serious Chemical health hazards for human and animals [4-6]. The level of essential elements in medicinal plants is Conditional, the content being affected by the geochemical characteristics of the soil and by the ability of plants to selectively accumulate some of these elements [7]. Additional sources of these elements for plants are rainfall, atmospheric dusts, Plant protection agents and fertilizers, which could be adsorbed through the leaf blades [8]. Determination of metal concentrations, especially toxic once in medicinal plants, is of special concern since the industrial pollution of agricultural land and forests is becoming a serious ecological issue in many parts of the world [9-11]. The aim of this study was to analyses the major and trace elements content for fourteen medical herbs. The evaluation of these elements which were essential to human. The analysed major elements were K,Na and the trace elements were found to be Zn,Fe,Co,Cu,Ni,Pb, and Cd. Material and Methods Samples of fourteen kinds varieties of herbs were collected from local Iraqi markets like, all samples were weighed carefully using sensitive balance (0.1 mg sensitive). One gram of each samples digestion carried out by adding (2 ml) of concentrated nitric acid(70%), for several times. Heating was for one hour. Cooling and dilution to (25ml) in a volumetric flask using double distilled water. All reagents were Ultra-pure or analytical reagent (A.R) grade sixamal Germany. Distilled and deionized water was used for dilution and preparation of reagents and standards. The Purity of the distilled water used for preparation of all reagents and calibration standards. Heavy metals analysis were carried out using Shimadzu A.A.680, Flame less atomic absorption spectrophotometer except Na and K by Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Shimadzu A.A.680). Results and Discussion The different concentrations of elements in the fourteen medical herbs are shown in table (1). The variation in elemental concentration is mainly attributed to the differences in botanical structure, as well as in the mineral composition of the soil in which the plants are 235 | Chemistry @1a@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ÚÓ‘Ój�n€a@Î@Úœäñ€a@‚Ï‹»‹€@·rÓ:a@Âig@Ú‹©@Ü‹26@@ÖÜ»€a@I1@‚b«@H2013 Ibn Al-Haitham Jour. for Pure & Appl. Sci. Vol. 26 (1) 2013 cultivated. Other factors responsible for a variation in elemental content is preferential absorbability of the plant use of fertilizers, irrigation water and climatologica conditions [12]. The major elements that K and Na content were observed in Figs 1,2 were high in Matricaria Chanomile (450.00, 67.96 ppm) and low in Cinnamon (13.29 ,5.85 ppm) respectively . It is important here to note that the regulation of potassium is intimately involved with that of sodium and the two are largely interdependent. Sodium is essential for regulation of osmotic pressure of the body and helps to maintain acid- base and water balance of the body .Its dificiency causes loss of body weight and nerves disorder. Potassium is accumulated within human cells bY the action of the Na+, K+ AT pase (Sodium pump) and it is an activator of some enzymes; in Particular Co-enzyme is for normal growth and muscle function [13]. It helps in the protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Potassium deficiency causes nervous disorder, diabetes, and poor muscular control resulting in Paralysis. The elements as Zn and Fe are essential trace elements (micro nutrients) for living organisms. Zinc is relatively non-toxic [14]. Zinc deficiency is characterized by recurrent infections, lack of immunity and poor growth .Growth retardation skin changes, poor appetite and mental lethargy are some of the manifestations of chronically zinc-deficien human subjects [14].Zinc is necessary for the growth and multiplication of cells (enzymes) responsible for DNA and RNA synthesis for skin integrity, bone metabolism and functioning of taste and eyesight [15]. It is a constituent of many enzymes and insulin. Zinc deficiency causes weight loss. Pregnant and lactating women require (20 to 25) mg, while normal adult require 15mg of zinc every day.Fig. (3) shows the concentrations of zinc in samples studies that range between (0.216-29.09)ppm . The smaller quantity was determinated for Cinnamon (0.216 ppm) and the higher for Ocinum Basilcum L. (29.09 ppm). 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 [16]. Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in humans and is commonly caused by insufficient dietary intake, excessive menstrual flow or multiple births [17].In this case, it results especially an anemia. In various medical herbs samples analyzed, the Fe content was observed in fig.(4) that the maximum in Matricaria Chamomile (6.87 ppm) and minimum in Cinnamon (0.47 ppm ). Hence the use of Matricaria Chamomile in general tonic preparation may be advised to compensate for an iron deficiency. Cobalt is found in plants and animals bodies essential element for the herbs, which is able to synthesize vitamin B12, which is the main source of Co in animal foods. Nevertheless , only a Part of Co in food derived from animals is present in the from 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 [15 ].Cobalt is widely distributed throughout the body and highest concentrations are usually found in liver , kindneys and bones. Deficiency of vitamin B12 produces a genetic defect and failure of gastric mucosa. Vitamin B12 is essential for the maturation of red blood cells. and normal functioning of all cells in humans, deficiency of vitamin B12 leads to a megaloblastic anemia. Cobalt also plays an important role in thyroid metabolism in humans. The Co Concentration ranged between (0.0004ppm) in Pimpinella Anisuml, Jeft , Cagsia Italica , Ocimum Basilcum L. and( 0.002ppm) in Matricaria Chamomile,on the other hand , Co were not detectable in Anethum Graveolens L. , Cyperus Rotundus L and Lupinus Jaimehintoniana . Copper is one of many metals that are essential to life, despite being as inherently toxic as nonessential trace heavy metals (Cadmium, Lead). Copper deficiency in humans is a rare exception, and would not occur if Cu Content were more than 2mg in the daily diet [18]. For analysed samples Cyperus Rotundus L. has the highest content in copper (0.24ppm), followed by Lupinus Jaimehintoniana (0.22ppm), Jeft has the smallest copper concentration (0.021ppm). 236 | Chemistry @1a@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ÚÓ‘Ój�n€a@Î@Úœäñ€a@‚Ï‹»‹€@·rÓ:a@Âig@Ú‹©@Ü‹26@@ÖÜ»€a@I1@‚b«@H2013 Ibn Al-Haitham Jour. for Pure & Appl. Sci. Vol. 26 (1) 2013 Nickel is an essential element for animal nutrition. The Nickel requirement of humans has been estimated to be( 25-35) µg/day [19 ] . Matricaria Chamomile has the great content in Nickel (0.45ppm). Galeopsis Sejetum has the smallest content in Ni (0.0014 ppm). Lead is not an essential element for life and it is very toxic for the nevous system and for the kindneys [18 ]. The low content was determinated for Zea Maize and Niegella Sativa L. (0.027 ppm). and the highest for Teucrium Polium L . (0.64 ppm) . Cadmium concentration ranged between (0.0046 ppm) in Niegella Sativa L. and (0.13 ppm) in Echium Talicum L. The Cd requirement is (0.006 mg /day) in finished herbal products [20].After comparison; metal limits in the studied medicinal plants with those proposed by WHO[19 ] , it was found that all studied plants accumulate Cd above this limit. Cd causes both acute and chronic poisoning, adverse effect on kidney, liver, vascular and immune system [20]. In this study, we can observe that the Matricaria Chamomile shows the high concentrations of Na, K, Fe ,Co , and Ni in all sample studies but the Cinnamon show the low concentrations of Na , K, Fe and Zn , while Echium Talicum L. , Teucrium polium L., recorded the high concentrations of Cdand pb respectively and the Nigella Sativa L. , Zea Maize recorded the lowest values of Cd and pb . pimpinella AnisumL, Jeft , Cagsia Italica , Ocimum Basilcum L , shows the similar values (0.0004ppm) this the low values of Co . Accuracy and precision The accuracy and precision of the results were also evaluated by analyzing each herb sample was found, by standard deviation and relative standard deviation percentage for each element, as shown in table (2). The accuracy of the results( ± 0.05%). References 1.World Health Organization, (W.H.O.) (2003) '' Traditional Medicine, Fact Sheet '' No. 134. 2.Serfor- Armah,Y.; Nyarko , B.J.B.; Akaho , E . H. K.; Kyere, A. W. K.; Osae , S.; Oppong - Boachie , K . and Osae , E .K . J . (2001) "Activation anaylsis of some essential elements in five medicinal plants used in Ghana " J . Radioanal . Nucl . Chem. 250 (1):173-176 3.Serfor- Armah,Y.; Nyarko , B.J.B.; Akaho , E . H. K.; Kyere , A. W. K . ; Osae , S. and Oppong - Boachie , K. (2002) "Multi- elemental analysis of some traditional plants medicines used in Ghana" J. Trace Microprobe Tech. 20(3):419-427. 4.Abu-Arab, A.A.K. and Abou Donia, M.A.(2002) “Heavy metals in Egyptian spices and medicinal plants and the effect of processing on their levels”. J.Agric. Food Chem. 48:2300- 2304. 5.Massadeh, A.M. and Snook, R.O.(2002) “Determination of Pb and Cd in road dusts over the period in which Pb was removed from petrol in the UK” J. of Environmental Monitoring. 4:567 -572. 6.Johnsson , L.(2003) “Hazards of heavy metal contamination”. British Medical Bulletin 68:167-182. 7.Bin,C.; Xiaouru , W. and Lee, F.S.C.(2001) “Pyrolysis coupled with atomic absorption spectrometry for determination of mercury in Chinese medicinal materials”. Anal.Chim.Acta. 447:161-169. 8.Lozak,A.; ,Solty,K.; Ostapezuk,P. and Fijalek,Z.(2002)“Determination of selected trace elements in herbs and their infusions”. Sci.Total Environ, 289:33-40. 9.Ajasa,A.V.O.; Bello,M.O.; Ibrahim , A.O.;Ogunwarde, I.A. and Olawore , N.O.(2004) “Heavy trace metals and macronutrients status in herbal plants of Nigeria”.Food Chemistry 85:67-71. 237 | Chemistry @1a@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ÚÓ‘Ój�n€a@Î@Úœäñ€a@‚Ï‹»‹€@·rÓ:a@Âig@Ú‹©@Ü‹26@@ÖÜ»€a@I1@‚b«@H2013 Ibn Al-Haitham Jour. for Pure & Appl. Sci. Vol. 26 (1) 2013 10.Erdemoglu,S.B. and Basgel,S.(2006). “Determination of mineral and trace elements in some medicinal herbs and their infusions consumed in Turkey”. J.Sci.Total Environment, 359(1):82-89. 11.Al-Alawi , M.M. and Mandiwana, K.L.(2007) “The use of Aleppo pine needles as abio- monitor of heavy metals in the atmosphere”. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 148:43-46. 12.Rajurkor, N.S. and pardeshi,B.M.(1997). “Analysis of some herbal plants from India used in the control of diabetes mellitus by NAA and AAS techniques”. Appl. Radiat. Isot.48:1059. 13.Brich , N.J. and Padgham, C.(1994) “Handbook on metals in clinical and analytical chemistry”. Marcel Dekker, New York. 14.Prasad, A.S.(1982). “Clinical, Biochemical and Nutritional Aspects of Trace Elements” Alan R.Liss, Inc, New York. 15.Thunus,L. and Lejeune , R.(1994) “Handbook on metals in clinical and analytical chemistry”. Marcel Dekker, New York. 16.Sigal,H. (1978). “Metals in Biological systems”. Marcel Dekker, New York. 17.Reddy , M.B.;Chidambaram, M.V. and Bates,G.W.(1987) “Iron Transport in Microbes, plants and Animals”.Vch,New York. 18.Stef, D.S.; Gergen, I.; Monica, H.; Lavinia, S.f; Marioara, D. ;Romona, B. and Heghedus , M.G. (2009) “Determination of the microelements content of some medicinal herbs” .J. of Agro alimentary processes and Technologies. 15(1):163-167. 19.Anke , M.; Angelow,L.; Glei, M.; Muller, M. and Illing , H. (1995) “The biological importance of nickel in the food chain Fresenius” J. Anal. Chem. 352:92-96. 20.World Health Organization (W.H.O.) (2005) “Quality Control methods for medicinal plants materials revised,Geneva” 21.Heyes, R.B.(1997) “The carcinogenicity of metals in humans” Cancer causes conrol, 8: 371-385. Table (1): Concentrations mg/L(ppm) of essential elements in medical herbs No Name of the herbs Na K Zn Fe Co Cu Ni Pb Cd 1 Matricaria Chamomile 67.960 450.00 1.250 6.870 0.002 0.140 0.450 0.046 0.010 2 Cinnamon 5.850 13.290 0.216 0.470 0.0009 0.068 0.110 0.042 0.024 3 Pimpinella Anisum L. 8.510 47.460 0.650 1.260 0.0004 0.041 0.012 0.250 0.066 4 Zea Maize 6.800 87.340 0.790 0.788 0.0009 0.044 0.017 0.027 0.076 5 Anethum Graveolens L. 13.820 86.390 0.990 1.280 Nil 0.051 0.023 0.110 0.018 6 Ventouse (Jeft) 6.100 37.68 1.770 0.560 0.0004 0.021 0.007 0.240 0.082 7 Teucrum Polium L. 16.870 91.130 0.760 1.840 0.0009 0.085 0.057 0.640 0.079 8 Cagsia Italica 9.530 38.540 3.390 1.150 0.0004 0.220 0.100 0.220 0.078 9 Echium Talicum L. 9.140 151.00 0.680 2.020 0.0019 0.088 0.037 0.500 0.130 10 Ocimum Basilum L. 7.180 40.820 29.090 0.470 0.0004 0.077 0.030 0.10 0.030 11 Galeopsis Sejetum 10.070 21.450 0.860 1.014 0.0009 0.180 0.0014 0.054 0.078 12 Nigella Sativa L. 9.680 28.000 0.770 0.610 0.0009 0.190 0.0093 0.027 0.0046 13 Cyperus Rotundus L. 18.820 29.900 0.420 1.059 Nil 0.240 0.008 0.093 0.026 14 Lupinus Jaimehintoniana 12.670 37.020 0.710 0.490 Nil 0.220 0.014 0.034 0.029 238 | Chemistry @1a@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ÚÓ‘Ój�n€a@Î@Úœäñ€a@‚Ï‹»‹€@·rÓ:a@Âig@Ú‹©@Ü‹26@@ÖÜ»€a@I1@‚b«@H2013 Ibn Al-Haitham Jour. for Pure & Appl. Sci. Vol. 26 (1) 2013 Table (2): The standard deviation and relative standard deviation for each metal. % R.S.D. S.D Metal 0.147 0.1 Na 0.157 0.071 K 0.343 0.1 Zn 1.029 0.071 Fe 790.56 0.0158 Co 13.176 0.0316 Cu 15.71 0.0707 Ni 4.941 0.0316 Pb 790.56 0.0158 Cd Fig. (1): Concentration of sodium in Fig. (2): Concentration of potassium in herbs samples hrebs samples Fig. (3): Concentration of zinc in Fig. (4): Concentration of iron in herbs samples hrebs samples po ta ss iu m (p pm ) so di um (p pm ) zi nc (p pm ) Ir on (p pm ) 239 | Chemistry @1a@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ÚÓ‘Ój�n€a@Î@Úœäñ€a@‚Ï‹»‹€@·rÓ:a@Âig@Ú‹©@Ü‹26@@ÖÜ»€a@I1@‚b«@H2013 Ibn Al-Haitham Jour. for Pure & Appl. Sci. Vol. 26 (1) 2013 االعشاب الطبیة العراقیةالعناصر االساسیة في نماذج من بعض تعیین انتظار داود سلیمان رافع قدوري الكبیسي جاسم داود سلمان جامعة بغداد / (إبن الھیثم) كلیة التربیة للعلوم الصرفة / قسم الكیمیاء 2012تشرین األول 15، قبل البحث في : 2012آیار 6استلم البحث في : الخالصة ان العناصر االساسیة الموجوده في االعشاب الطبیة المستعملة في عالج االمراض مھمة ولھا دور اساسي في ھذه والبوتاسیوم، والزنك، والحدید، ،المعالجة .تضمنت الدراسة تعیین تراكیز بعض العناصر االساسیة، وھي: الصودیوم یوم في مجموعة من االعشاب الطبیة التي جمعت من االسواق المحلیة والكوبلت، والنحاس، والنیكل، والرصاص، والكادم في العراق ، والتي تضمنت اربع عشرانموذجاً متنوعآ وھي على التوالي البابونك، والدارسین، والینسونن وكفشة الذرة، اء، والسعد، والترمز .وحبة الحلوة، والجفت، والجعدة، والسنمكین والورد ماوي، وبذور الریحان، والخوبة، وحبة السود حللت العناصر باستخدام تقنیة االمتصاص الذري اللھبي وغیر اللھبي . تشیر النتائج الى ان تركیز عنصري الصودیوم والبوتاسیوم عال نسبیاً، في حین سجل عنصر الكوبلت اقل التراكیز مقارنة بتراكیز العناصر النزرة االخرى ولجمیع نماذج االعشاب. االعشاب الطبیة ، العناصر االساسیة ، طیف االمتصاص الذري. : لكلمات المفتاحیةا 240 | Chemistry