Determination of Macronutrients, Micronutrients and Heavy Metals Present in Spilanthes acmella Hutch and Dalz: Possible Health Effects

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted for quantitive determination of macronutrients, micronutrients and heavy metals present in Spilanthes acmella Hutch and Dalz, a traditionally used important medicinal plant. The results illustrated the presence of substantial amounts of essential nutrient elements in different parts of the plant. K and Mg were detected in the range between 36.35 ± 1.01 to 67.78 ± 1.33 g/kg and 2.17 ± 0.13 to 7.02 ± 0.84 g/kg of DWS respectively. While the essential micronutrients Fe, Na, Mn, Zn and Cu were detected in the range between 62.62 ± 12.72 to 856.95 ± 76.61 mg/kg, 365.47 ± 23.84 to 633.03 ± 38.12 mg/kg, 51.66 ± 7.77 to 186.33 ± 13.92 mg/kg, 41.87 ± 2.85 to 53.89 ± 3.79 mg/kg and 18.49 ± 2.07 to 48.71 ± 4.89 mg/kg of DWS respectively. Besides, heavy metals (Cd, Ni and Pb) detected in some of the plant samples were beyond the maximum permissible limit (MPL) of FAO/WHO for herbal medicines. The concentrations of the essential nutrient elements except zinc were significantly different in different parts of the plant (p < 0.001). Further variation in the concentrations of the elements in the plant was observed with respect to seasonal changes and geographical conditions. Nevertheless the findings corroborate ethnomedicinal significance of the plant and signify the possibilibity of utilizing its standardized products for preparation of food supplements as well as multidimensional therapeutic herbal medicines.