Proximate and Elemental Analysis of Three Medicinal Plants: Cuscuta reflexa, Cassia tora and Cassia fistula

Aim: The current study explores the proximate and elemental contents of three different medicinal plants, namely Cuscuta reflexa (whole plant), Cassia tora (stem) and Cassia fistula (seed pot) that have been grown in Bangladesh. Methodology: Macro (Na, K, Ca, Mg), micro (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cr) and heavy metal (Pb, Cd, As) elements, present in C. reflexa (Whole plant), C. tora (stem), and C. fistula (seed pod) were analyzed quantitatively by flame photometer and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Results: The minerals of the plants were found in substantial amounts (Na: 13763.75-16419.42 ppm, K: 6053.49-25864.92 ppm, Ca: 18912.16-2298.77 ppm, Mg: 1570.25-4602.23 ppm, Fe: 58.99-222.43 ppm, Cu: 3.16-11.61 ppm, Mn: 15.89-54.53 pm, Zn: 0.0367-50.2665 ppm, Ni: 0.9878-4.7186 ppm, Cr: 0.3279-0.8281 ppm, Pb: 0.3590-1.5030 ppm, Cd: 0.0016-0.0068 ppm and As: 0.0148-0.0675 ppm). Conclusion: It is evident that the investigated medicinal plants are enriched in some macro and micro nutrient, such as Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe etc which are important for biological metabolism and human health. On the other hand the heavy metals are present in trace amount which indicate the plants are safe for medicinal uses.

Quality Analysis of Different Specifications of Frutus Aurantii Immaturus / 中药新药与临床药理

Objective To study the quality standard of different specifications of Frutus Aurantii Immaturus. Methods The contents of synephrine, volatile oil, total ash, acid- insoluble ash and water in different specifications of Frutus Aurantii Immaturus were determined by HPLC or other methods according the china pharmacopoeia. Results The contents of volatile oil and synephrine in different specifications of Frutus Aurantii Immaturus were obviously different, and in accordance with empirically traditional classification. The contents of the total ash, acid- insoluble ash and water were similar in the different specifications and the total ash content was lower than 7 % which was in accordance with that recorded in China Pharmacopoeia.Conclusion Volatile oil, acid- insoluble ash, water and synephrine with a definite content limit can be chosen as the parameters for the research of quality standard of Frutus Aurantii Immaturus, which will supply evidence for the medicinal trade and research of Frutus Aurantii Immaturus.