Elemental Analysis of Ten Sudanese Medicinal Plants Using X-ray Fluorescence

Abstract

Eleven elements (K, Ca, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Br, Rb and Zr) were determined by using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) in selected Sudanese medicinal plants namely; Ambrosia maritime L., Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del., Cymbopogon proximus (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Stapf, Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori, Hydnora johannis Becca, Lepidium sativum L., Nauclea latifolia Smith, Peperomia pellucida L., Senna obtusifolia (L.) Irwin & Barneby and Tamarix aphylla (L.) Karsten. G. tenax has the highest concentration of Ca (8107 ppm), Br (33 ppm), Rb (19.9 ppm), Zn (18.11 ppm) and Cu (15.9 ppm). The highest concentration of K (15451 ppm) and Fe (1426 ppm) was found in H. johannis. The highest concentration of Cr (13.10 ppm) and Ni (7.6 ppm) was found in C. proximus. A. maritima and B. aegyptiaca had the highest concentration of Mn (10.6 ppm) and Zr (8.2 ppm) respectively. Such information could be helpful in standardization of herbal products since the Sudanese medicinal plants play an important role in maintenance of human health.