Assessment of phytoaccumulation of trace elements in medicinal plants from natural habitats

Abstract

Summary Introduction: The high concentration of some trace elements in medicinal plants may lowering the value of herbal material, and may cause poisoning effects. Objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the content of trace elements in the organs of: sandy everlasting, yarrow and stinging nettle. Methods: In the soil samples, the grain size composition, pH, the content of carbon and nitrogen were determined. In the plant material and for the soil samples, the total contents of Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Pb were assayed. The values of the bioconcentration factor and translocation factor were also calculated. Results: The concentration of metals in plant tissues followed in order: Fe>Mn>Zn>Pb>Cu>Hg. The studied species of medicinal plants accumulated mainly Zn, Pb and Hg. It was also shown a high Hg mobility and a low Pb mobility which mainly accumulated in the roots. Conclusions: As our research shows the plants used in phytotherapy, should come from plantations monitored for toxic heavy metals in soil.

Hazard of Contamination with Heavy Metals in Thymus serpyllum L. Herbs from Rural Areas

“…For the purpose of research, T. serpyllum plants were collected at the flowering stage. The concentration of heavy metals in the plant varies throughout the phenological stages and it is different in different parts: root, leaves, stems and flowers [23,59,79]. In their roots, stems, leaves, and inflorescences, T. serpyllum plants accumulated relatively high contents of Zn and Pb, which is species-specific.…”

“…The herbal material collected from the areas with no agrotechnical, and phytosanitary treatments applied shows a high quality and medicinal properties. In response to a growing social demand for natural treatment methods, including herbal medicine, the number of pharmaceutical and cosmetic enterprises interested in purchasing the herbal material increases [23]. A collection from undeveloped areas, with respect to the natural resources, including woodland, supervised by qualified advisors, enhances the job market and the income of rural areas residents [24].…”

“…The reports by other authors did not point to the presence of those metals in the parent material of the soils in the region. There was assayed a total Pb content due to the earlier results of herbal plants [23,58,59], pointing to a threat of the accumulation of that metal in plant material despite a relatively low total content in soil.…”

Heavy Metals and Sulphur in Needles of Pinus sylvestris L. and Soil in the Forests of City Agglomeration

“…The content was lower than that recorded by Parzych and Jonczak [56] in the area without a human impact (the Słowiński National Park); from 185.1 to 368.7 mg kg −1 in 1-year-old needles and from 211.1 to 449.8 mg kg −1 in 2-yearold needles. According to other authors, the content of Mn in other plant species in the area outside the contamination impact was from 27.2 to 247.3 mg kg −1 [57], 122 to 837 mg kg −1 [58]. The demand for Mn in plants varies a lot depending on the species.…”

Anthropression as a Factor Affecting the Content of Heavy Metals in the Flowers of Sambucus nigra L.—A Medicinal Plant Affecting Human Health

“…Anthropogenic human activity has led to the excessive accumulation of trace metals in the environment. These elements can accumulate in soil, water, living organisms, and bottom sediments [12][13][14]. Medicinal plants may also accumulate trace metals [14][15][16].…”