Elemental analysis of Galium incanum SM subsp centrale Ehrend by x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the content of trace elements in Galium incanum SM. subsp. centrale Ehrend. Methods: The air-dried aerial parts of the plant material were used and its water extract (2 % w/v infusion) was analysed for trace elements using x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry. Results: The aqueous extract depicted significant concentrations of macro- and micro-nutrients with heavy metal and metal oxide content of 4.07 - 6.02 and 3.19 - 4.01 % for powdered plant material and water extract, respectively. The contents of Ca (22840 ppm) and K (8204 ppm) were the highest among all the elements while Zn (45.9 ppm) and Fe (328 ppm) were also detected in significant amounts. Zn, Mn and Cu showed the highest content while those of Mg, Al, K, Ca, Fe and P lowest in the water extract. Conclusion: The presence of significant levels of Ca, K, Na, Fe, Zn, Mg, Mn and Cu in G. incanum subsp. centrale showed that this plant has notable nutrient elements. The traditional use of Gallium species as a diuretic may be attributed to its rich content of potassium.