ELEMENTAL CHARECTERISATION OF THE MEDICINAL PLANT ALCHEMILLA MOLLIS

Abstract

Aim: Alchemilla, commonly called “lady’s mantle”, is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants belonging to the family Rosaceae. Alchemilla plants (Lady’s mantle) are commonly used in traditional medicine for treatment of many gynecological diseases. People have been using medicinal plants in the treatment of diseases since ancient times. Today, in this respect, herbalists are the most easily accessible commercial source of medicinal plants. Our aim in this study is to compare the elemental contents of the Lady's Mantle plant taken commercially from two different herbalists. Materials-Method: Alchemilla mollis plants, purchased commercially from 2 different herbalists, were first washed and dried in sunlight. It was then ground into powder with the help of a grinder. The plants were weighed in certain amounts and digested in the microwave digestion system with an acid mixture of 1/3 H2O2:HNO3 and the organic phase was removed. Then, a certain amount of diluted samples were injected into the ICP-MS device. The elements to be examined were grouped as essential macro/micro elements, essential elements only for some plant species, and heavy metals, depending on the plant's needs. The results are expressed in ppm. Result: When examined in terms of essential microelements, the Mn and Fe levels of the plant taken from herbalist 1 were found to be quite high compared to the plant taken from the other herbalist. While Al levels which are essential elements for some plants, were found to be very high in herbalist 1 compared to the other herbalist. Na levels were found to be quite high in the plant taken from herbalist 2. In terms of macro elements, the Mg and Ca levels of the plant taken from 1 were found to be quite high compared to the other herbalist. The K levels of the plant taken from herbalist 2 were found to be higher than those obtained from herbalist 1. Finally, when heavy metal contents are examined; Cr, As, Sn and Pb levels of the plant taken from herbalist 1 were found to be higher than the other. In herbalist 2, Li levels were found to be higher than the other herbalist. Conclusion: As a result of this study, it was seen that there was a significant difference in the element contents of the same plant taken from 2 different herbalists. We can list the reasons for this such as the mineral quality of the soil where the plant grows, the nutritional content it receives, environmental factors, the region where it grows, and weather conditions.