Study of Metals and Element characterization of Andrographis paniculata plant of Khordha region, Odisha

Abstract

This study represents characterization of different metals present in Andrographis paniculata (a medicinal herb). The plant samples were collected from urban and rural areas of Khordha district, Odisha, India. The solid powdered samples from different parts of the plants were analyzed using various chemical and physical characterization techniques and all the data provides a clear description about the metal and mineral contents in the plant parts qualitatively and quantitatively as well. X-ray Fluorescence study was done to know the presence of different metals (including other elements) qualitatively. The collected samples were taken for ashing, followed by acid digestion and analyzed by AAS and ICP-OES (Pb, Cr, Mn, Co, Zn, Cu, Cr, V, Na, Ca, and Mg), FES (Ca, Na, and K) respectively. It has been found that leaves of the plants of both the regions are rich in Fe, Mg, Ca, K, Mn etc. In addition to these metals Pb, Cr, Co, Pd, and V also exists, but in low concentrations which have negligible impact on the medicinal characteristics of the plant (but are toxic). Structural characterization (FESEM) is under process.