Determination of Elemental Composition in Some Medicinal Plants Using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

Shuaibu Abdulmumini, Sadiq Umar, Yamusa Abdullahi Yamusa, Babangida Yahaya, Ahmad Hassan

Abstract


This study investigates the elemental composition of Artemisia absinthium and Boswellia serrata, two widely used medicinal plants, using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). INAA revealed a total of 24 elements in both samples, with A. absinthium showing significantly higher concentrations of key elements such as aluminum (69,758 ppm), potassium (40,740 ppm), and magnesium (3,703 ppm), while B. serrata exhibited elevated levels of calcium (12,350 ppm) and barium (153 ppm). Trace elements like uranium, lanthanum, chromium, and arsenic were also detected, indicating the plants’ potential for therapeutic as well as toxicological effects. These findings support the ethno pharmacological uses of both plants and provide a scientific basis for their application in herbal medicine. The comprehensive profiling contributes to quality control, standardization, and further pharmacological evaluation of A. absinthium and B. serrata.


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