X-ray fluorescence spectroscopic determination of heavy metal and trace element concentrations of Origanum sipyleum from Turkey

Origanum species have been used as medicinal tea or food additives and for the production of its essential oil. Origanum sipyleum L., native to western Anatolia, is widely used as spice and against gastrointestinal disorders and cough [1, 2]. Plants assimilate the elements dissolved in water through roots. In addition to purity, safety and efficacy assesments, a part of quality control studies on medicinal plant is the quantification of heavy metals. The aim of this work was to determine the heavy metal and trace element compositions in aerial parts of Origanum sipyleum and its water extract prepared by 2% infusion. In the present work, in addition to quality assurance, for understanding its medicinal and nutritive value, the presence and the quantity of heavy metals and trace elements in powdered plant material and water extract of O. sipyleum were determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. The major elements such as K, Ca and Na, known as macronutrients, are detected in 11990, 10490 and 970 ppm in powdered drug and 8910, 2991 and 810 ppm in water extract, respectively. Toxic elements such as Pb, Cd and As were in low concentrations in powdered drug and its water extract. Zn and Cu were found to be accumulated in water extract of O. sipyleum in 2832 ppm and 879 ppm concentrations, respectively. Fe was determined as 74.3 ppm and 44.2 ppm for powdered drug and water extract.

References:

[1] Başer KHC, Tümen G, Özek T, Kürkçüoğlu M, Composition of the essential oil of Origanum sipyleum of Turkish origin, J. Essent. Oil Res., 1992; 4: 139 – 142

[2] Köksal O, Güneş E, Özer OO, Özden M, Analysis of effective factors on information sources at Turkish Oregano farms, Afr. J. Agr. Res., 2010; 5: 142 – 149