Mineral content of some medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus

Author: Narendhirakannan R.   Subramanian S.   Kandaswamy M.  

Publisher: Humana Press, Inc

ISSN: 0163-4984

Source: Biological Trace Element Research, Vol.103, Iss.2, 2005-02, pp. : 109-115

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Abstract

It is known that certain inorganic trace elements such as vanadium zinc, chromium, copper, iron, potassium, sodium, and nickel play an important role in the maintenance of normoglycemia by activating the β-cells of the pancreas. In the present study, the elemental composition in the leaves of four traditional medicinal plants (Murraya koenigii, Mentha piperitae, Ocimum sanctum, and Aegle marmelos) widely used in the treatment of diabetes-related metabolic disorders has been studied using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The levels of Cu, Ni, Zn, K, and Na were found to be in trace amounts, whereas Fe, Cr, and V levels were found in marginal levels. The importance of these elements in disorders related to diabetes is also briefly discussed.