Mineral Profiling of Medicinal Plants
摘要
Medicinal plants (MPs) have been utilized throughout antiquity for the treatment of many diseases, varying from bacterial infections to cardiovascular and chronic diseases. Recognized for their rich reservoirs of essential minerals and significant bioactive compounds deemed crucial for human health, MPs perform a pivotal function in enhancing human nutrition and well-being. In recent years, there has been a notable surge in interest surrounding medicinal plants, driven by their perceived health benefits and nutritional significance. While extensive research has delved into the organic and bioactive compounds, phytochemistry, and associated biological activities of MPs, there remains a gap in understanding their mineral properties, nutrients, and trace elements (such as iron, selenium, and zinc), as well as potentially toxic compounds. This chapter addresses this knowledge gap by specifically focusing on the mineral content of MPs. It explores methods for identifying both harmful and essential elements, including heavy metals, and delves into challenging and constrained techniques for the determination of trace elements.