Elemental Analysis of <i>Paeonia emodi </i>and<i> Punica granatum </i>by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Abstract

During present study <i>Paeonia emodi</i> and <i>Punica granatum</i> were selected for elemental analysis due to its wide application in the indigenous medicinal system and the importance of its chemical constituents. The plant samples were digested with concentrated Nitric acid (HNO<SUB>3</SUB>), followed by concentrated Perchloric acid (HClO<SUB>4</SUB>). The transparent solutions of these samples were analysed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The analysis for various elements in the sampled medicinal plants indicated that Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Copper, Zinc, Iron, Cobalt, Manganese, and Lead were present in all samples of both plant species in different concentration. In Paeonia emodi Calcium is found in high concentration (66.26 mg/L) while Cobalt is in low concentration (0.039 mg/L). Similarly in Punica granatum Potassium concentration is maximum (55.19 mg/L) while Cobalt concentration is minimum (0.031 mg/L).