The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 2015;4(3):157-163 ; DOI:10.31254/phyto.2015.4306
Evaluation of Zanthoxylum armatum its toxic metal contents and proximate analysis
Barkatullah1 , Muhammad ibrar1 , Naveed Muhammad2 , Abdur Rauf3 , Nasruddin4 , Haroon khan2 , Jawad Ali4
1. Department of Botany, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
2. Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan 23200, Pakistan
3. Department of Geology, University of Swabi, Anbar-23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
4. Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, KPK, 25120, Pakistan
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
The objective of this study was to determine the elemental contents and proximate analysis of leaves, bark and fruit of Zanthoxylum armatum. The worth of natural medicines cannot be ignored anywhere the globe but the accumulation of toxic heavy metals in access make their uses questionable. In this study the Concentration of various metals like Lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), Potassium (K) and Sodium (Na) was detected in the leaves, stem bark and fruit of this valuable plant using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The concentration of these quantified metals was compared with established limits and it was proved that this plant is free from toxic level of heavy metals. The presence of Zn, Mn and Cr justify the hypoglycaemic potential of this valuable medicinal plant. Nutritional analysis indicated carbohydrates, proteins, fats and crud fibers in sufficient amount. The current finding encourages the manufacturing of various formulations both as medicinal as well as nutritional supplements from of this important medicinal plant.
Zanthoxylum armatum, Elemental analysis, Proximate analysis.
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