Determination of cadmium and selected micronutrients in commonly used and traded medicinal plants in Turkey

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants commonly used and traded in Turkey were monitored for their cadmium and selected micronutrient (copper, iron, manganese and zinc) content. RESULTS: Cadmium was not detected in any sample of licorice extract, linden flowers or nettle leaves. However, in the rest of the samples, cadmium was found in the range of 7-126 mu g kg(-1), with the highest concentration in chamomile leaf. Of all the monitored trace elements, the highest concentration found was 520 mg kg(-1) iron in zahter. The highest copper, manganese and zinc concentrations were found in rose hips (24 mg kg(-1)), Turkish oregano (58 mg kg(-1)) and zahter (50 mg kg(-1)), respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study reveal that cadmium and trace element concentrations in medicinal plants commonly used as traditional medicines in Turkey are well below the critical levels. (C) 2007 Society of Chemical Industry.