- 1
- Department
of Environmental Engineering and Occupational Hygiene, Occupational
Safety Management in Katowice, Bankowa 8, 40-007, Katowice, Poland. jmiroslawski@wszop.edu.pl.
- 2
- Department
of Environmental Engineering and Occupational Hygiene, Occupational
Safety Management in Katowice, Bankowa 8, 40-007, Katowice, Poland.
Abstract
Concentration
of Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb were determined in peppermint leaves (Folium
Menthae piperitae), chamomile blossom (Anthodium Chamomillae), and their
infusions by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) after microwave
digestion of plants samples. Peppermint and chamomile preparations by
five different producers were purchased at various pharmacies in Poland.
Infusions were made from herbs according to prescription for patients,
provided by the producer of medicine on the package. Results show that
in exam of medicinal plants
the content of cadmium exceeds World Health Organization (WHO)
standards. The highest level of extraction was observed for Ni (50-70%
of the total content in herb), Cr (28-36%), Cd (14-16%), and the lowest
for Pb (about 6%). The calculated daily intake all analyzed elements was
very low. Phytotherapy with using of these herbs is safe for health of
patient even in case of long time therapy.
KEYWORDS:
AAS; Heavy metals; Herbs; Infusion; Safe therapy
