Comparative study of the elemental composition in raw materials of plants of genus Geum L.

Abstract

Among the relevant for the modern pharmacy problems, there is a need for the rational complex use of known medicinal plants, as well as the search for new sources of natural biologically active compounds in order to expand the list of official medicinal plants and raw material base. Species of genus Geum L. contain a number of biological active substances and are promising sources of raw materials for the production of antimicrobial, astringent, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic medicines. Pharmacological activity of these plants results from their multi-component chemical composition, including tannins, flavonoids, macro- and microelements and other compounds. \nThe aim of thе study was to compare the elemental composition of herb and rhizomes with roots of G.\xa0urbanum\xa0L., G.\xa0aleppicum\xa0Jacq. and G.\xa0rivale\xa0L. of Ukrainian flora. \nThe objects of the study were the samples of herb and rhizome with roots of G.\xa0urbanum\xa0L., G.\xa0aleppicum\xa0Jacq. and G.\xa0rivale\xa0L. (dried raw materials) which were collected in the Kharkiv region, Ruski Tishki village, in June-August 2018–2019. \nThe determination of the qualitative composition and quantitative content of elements was carried out by atomic absorption spectroscopy with atomization in an air-acetylene flame using a spectrometer CAS 120 («Selmi», Sumy, Ukraine). \nIn the studied samples, 19 elements were determined, including 5 macroelements and 14 microelements. The data about accumulation of elements in investigated herb of G. urbanum\xa0L.,\xa0G. aleppicum\xa0Jacq., G. rivale\xa0L. can be arranged in descending order as follows: K > Ca > Si > Mg > P > Fe > Al > Na > Sr > Zn, and in rhizomes with roots as follows – K > Si > Ca > Mg > Fe > P > Al > Na > Sr > Zn. The content of toxic elements such as cobalt, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury was within the permissible limits for plant raw materials and food. \nFor the first time, a comparative study of the macro- and microelement composition in herb and rhizomes with roots of G. urbanum L., G. aleppicum Jacq. and G. rivale L. has been carried out. Using the method of atomic absorption spectral analysis, 19 elements have been identified and their content has been determined, among which К, Ca, Mg, Si, P, Fe, Al, Na, Mn, Zn predominantly accumulate.