Mineral compositions of some selected centaurea species from Turkey

Abstract

Centaurea calolepis Boiss., Centaurea lydia Boiss. and Centaurea polyclada DC. were investigated for major minerals and trace elements by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Calcium and potassium were found in maximum concentrations in Centaurea species. The results revealed that the concentrations of iron, manganese and zinc were found to be high in C. calolepis. On the other hand, copper, magnesium and phosphorous were found in higher concentrations in C. polyclada. Mineral composition of Centaurea species, will be descriptive in terms of the traditional use of this species. In addition, C. calolepis, C. lydia and C. polyclada may be utilized in nutraceuticals as potential natural sources of major minerals and trace elements.