Trace Metals in the Leaves of Selected Plants Used to Treat Hepatitis in Dembia, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT

The concentrations of (Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu and Cd) were determined in the leaves of Adhatoda schimperiana, Phytolacca dodecandra, and Calpurnia aurea. Zinc, Fe and Mn were found in the range of (in mg kg⁻¹): 179 to 342, 163 to 255 and 14 to 198, respectively. Copper was not detected in C. aurea, Nickel was found only in A. schimperiana 21 mg kg⁻¹) and Cd only in P. dodecandra (5 mg kg⁻¹). Leaves of P. dodecandra contained about two times of Zn and four times of Mn than that of the other plant species. The higher amount of Zn in P. dodecandra, can be ascribed to its beneficial effect in the treatment of hepatitis.

KEYWORDS:

• Medicinal plants
• Zinc
• Iron