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Minor and trace elemental determination in the Indian herbal and other medicinal preparations

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Abstract

Medicinal plants described in the Indian “Ayurvedic” literature viz. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Gulvel (Tinospora cardifolia), bitter Neem (Azadirachta indica), Kanher (Nerium Åndicum), Vekhand (Acorus calamus), and Peacock's feather (ash) were analyzed for minor and trace elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The samples and the standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA and IAEA, Vienna were irradiated for 5 min, 1 h, 5 h, and 10 h with thermal neutrons at a flux of 1012–1013 n cm−2s−1 in APSARA and CIRUS reactor at BARC Bombay. High resolution γ ray spectrometry was performed using a 45 cm3 HPGe detector and a 4096 MCA system. Concentrations of 13 elements were determined. Zinc, manganese, and sodium were significantly higher in Tulsi leaves while zinc is higher in Neem leaves. Peacock's feathers were found to be rich in manganese, iron, copper, and zinc. A high concentration of mercury was also found in the peacock's feather ash. The therapeutic significance in restoring ionic balance is discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, Nagpur University, 440010, Nagpur, India

    Dhananjay L. Samudralwar & Amar N. Garg

  2. Livestock Disease Diagnosis Center, 1429, Newton Pike, 40503, Lexington, KY

    Dhananjay L. Samudralwar

Authors
  1. Dhananjay L. Samudralwar
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  2. Amar N. Garg
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Samudralwar, D.L., Garg, A.N. Minor and trace elemental determination in the Indian herbal and other medicinal preparations. Biol Trace Elem Res 54, 113–121 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02786258

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02786258

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