PROFILING OF SELECTED MICRONUTRIENTS AND HEAVY METAL ELEMENTS IN OCIMUM SANCTUM BY ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY

Abstract

Background: Ocimum sanctum commonly called as Tulsi, sacred to Hindus and possess various biological activities. Medicinal plant raw materials will be checked for the presence of heavy metals and trace elements concentration. Beyond permissible level is mater of great concern to public safety all over the world. Usually accumulation of essential elements may also lead to toxic at high levels. Aim: The present study emphasises on the levels of some selected essential micro nutrients and heavy metal concentrations in Ocimum sanctum. Method: Profiling of trace elements was done by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Chromium, iron, lead and cadmium element levels were estimated. Results: All the selected elements were within the permissible levels of World Health Organization. Lead and cadmium were not found in both varieties Conclusion: From the results it is concluded that intake of Ocimum sanctum as in the raw form will be safe as there is no accumulation of micronutrients and toxic elements