Objective: To inhance the knowledge of rural population regarding good and bad effects of trace and toxic metal present in the said medicinal plant citrullus colosynthis Lin and validating the use of this plant as traditional drug in treating particular diseases.
Methodology: Roots, stem, leaves, flowers and seeds of the plant from district Kech, Balochistan was analyzed for metals including iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Result: The plant contained high concentration of Fe, Na, K, Mg and Ca, moderate concentration of Cu and Zn, a very small concentration of Pb, Ni and Co, while Cd was below the detection limit.
Conclusion: Due to significantly high concentration of Fe and Ca, it is suggestive to use the plant in management of anemia and arthritis.
Key words: Trace and Toxic metals, Atomic Absorption, Medicinal plants, Citrullus colosynthis.
|
