ABSTRACT
The content of certain metals in 13 medicinal teas made from 16 plant species was measured by flame photometer and atomic absorption spectrometer with flame methods. The measurements were evaluated against metal intake levels recommended by health authorities. The results indicate that the medicinal teas tested, regularly consumed by inhabitants of the Urubueua de FaÌtima River Community, Abaetetuba-Para, Brazil, present no risk of poisoning people older than six months. However, decoctions of Mentha sp., Eleutherine bulbosa, Euterpe oleracea, Piper callosum and Hyptis mutabilis, mostly given to children, had Mn values potentially exceeding the recommended maximum intake for infants in the 0-6 months age group, in the quantities customarily administered. Consequently, studies are needed to assess bioavailability for safe human consumption. Results also showed the consumption of medicinal tea alone is not enough to supply an adult's daily metal requirements or treat deficiencies. Additionally, cures emphasized by interviewed Community members might be associated with the bioactivity of organic substances that the medicinal teas contain.
El contenido de algunos metales en 13 teÌs medicinales de las 16 especies consumidas por los habitantes de la comunidad del RiÌo Urubueua de FaÌtima, Abaetetuba-Para, Brasil, se evaluoÌ mediante un fotoÌmetro de llama y un espectroÌmetro de absorcioÌn atoÌmica con meÌtodos de llama, y se comparoÌ con los niveles recomendados por las agencias de la salud. Los teÌs medicinales evaluados no mostraron riesgo de intoxicacioÌn para las personas mayores de seis meses de edad, sino las decocciones de Mentha sp., Eleutherine bulbosa, Euterpe oleracea, Piper callosum y Hyptis mutabilis, en su mayoriÌa dirigidos a la ingesta de ninÌos, informaron valores de Mn superiores a la ingesta maÌxima recomendada para el grupo de infantes (0-6 meses), debido a que estos estudios son necesarios para evaluar la biodisponibilidad para un consumo humano seguro. Los resultados tambieÌn mostraron que solo el consumo de teÌ medicinal no es suficiente para satisfacer las necesidades diarias recomendadas de ingesta de minerales o para tratar las deficiencias. AdemaÌs, los informes de curacioÌn, enfatizados por los habitantes, indican que la bioactividad observada podriÌa estar asociada a sustancias orgaÌnicas presentes en el teÌ.
Subject(s)
Plants, Medicinal/chemistry , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Teas, Medicinal , Metals/analysis , Reference Values , BrazilABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Piper callosum Ruiz & Pav., Piperaceae, popularly known as “elixir-paregórico” and “matricá” in Brazil, is used in folk medicine to treat gonorrhea, general pain, and digestive disorders, and has repellent, astringent, diuretic, depurative, and haemostatic properties. Despite the fact that this plant is sold as a traditional phytotherapeutic product, we did not find reports on its quality control. We, therefore, performed macroscopic, microscopic, histochemical, and physicochemical analyses using standard methods to establish botanical authentication and purity degree parameters for leaves and stem of this species in two forms: medicinal plant and herbal drug. We observed the size, shape, color, texture, fracture surface and transection characteristics, leaf venation patterns, and calluses are valuable diagnostic characters to identify the herbal drugs when they are not ground or powdered. Since medicinal plants and herbal drugs did not differ anatomically, the following key anatomical characters for P. callosum can be used for diagnostic purposes of both types raw plant materials: epicuticular wax and cuticular flanges patterns; collenchyma features; fibers in the midrib; arrangement pattern of the vascular bundles of the midrib and petiole; shape of the midrib, leaf margin, petiole, and stem; occurrence of raphides; and morphology of the starch grains. Acid lipids, essential oils, oleoresins, steroids, tannins and flavonoids were histochemically identified. Total ash (leaves: 11.25%; stem: 5.25%), sulphated ash (leaves: 68.02%; stem: 12.50%), acid-insoluble ash (leaves: 2.82%; stem: 0.27%), moisture (leaves: 8.60%; stem: 6.10%), loss on drying (leaves: 11.08%; stem: 8.58%), and pH (leaves: 5.57, stem: 5.28) values were determined. The order of analyzed metal levels in leaf and stem herbal drugs was Al > V > Cu > Mn > Cr > Ni. Similar levels of Cd and Co and low levels of Hg were found. The results obtained can be used as quality control parameters for medicinal plants and herbal drugs of P. callosum.
ABSTRACT
This study analyzed the pesticide residue and heavy metal contents in Panaxnotoginseng (Burk.) F.H.Chen to provide the basis for the quality criterion of pollution-freemedicinal materials and slices of notoginseng.We randomly collected 100 samples of notoginseng from farmer's markets,producing areas of notoginseng and internet markets.We entrusted the third-party authoritative testing institutions to detect 203 items of the pesticide residues and 4 items of heavy metals.According to relative standards of Japan,Korea,the United States and the European Union,we analyzed and summarized the data in this study.We confirmed the 25 species of pesticides with high operating frequency and detection rate and the limited amount index of 4 heavy metals.In conclusion,these results enriched the limited amount index of the pesticide residues and heavy metal contents based on the previous notoginseng standard system serving as the quality criterion of pollution-free notoginseng,which was applicative and operable.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To determine the content of lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury and copper in Xiaohuoluo pills produced by 34 enterprises. Methods:Using microwave digestion, the contents of lead, cadmium and arsenic were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry;the content of mercury was determined by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrophotometry;the content of copper was determined by air-acetylene flame atomic absorption. Results: Lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury in Xiao-huoluo pills from 34 different manufacturers were beyond the limits in various degrees. Conclusion: The method is simple and accu-rate, and can be used in the heavy metal determination of Xiaohuoluo pills.