Analysis of total and available elements in medicinal plant moringa oleifera using atomic absorption spectrophotometer

ABSTRACT

Plant based medicaments have been man's prime therapeutic weapons to rescue him from the clutches of diseases. The role of elements particularly trace elements in health and disease is now well established. In this work, investigations have been made about a very important plant Moringa oleifera, which has traditionally played an important role particularly in the rural areas. It is a cheap source of protein, mineral rich food and an effective medicine against diseases. The aqueous extract of its leaves reduces blood pressure within a few minutes. In the present paper the analysis of Moringa oleifera for mineral elements was performed by using atomic spectrophotometer. The decoction of each part of the plant was also analyzed for different essential and trace elements. The samples of this plant were collected from surroundings of Hyderabad and voucher specimens were prepared following the standard herbarium techniques. Each part of this medicinal plant contains considerable amount of K, Mg, Zn, and Ca. These elements help to reduce the effect of hypertension