Evaluation of Trace Metal Profile in Cymbopogon validus and Hyparrhenia hirta Used as Traditional Herbs from Environmentally Diverse Region of Komga, South Africa

Abstract EN

FAAS was used for the analysis of trace metals in fresh and dry plant parts of Cymbopogon validus and Hyparrhenia hirta species with the aim of determining the trace metals concentrations in selected traditional plants consumed in Eastern Cape, South Africa.

The trace metal concentration (mg/kg) in the samples of dry Cymbopogon validus leaves (DCVL) showed Cu of 12.40 ± 1.000 ; Zn of 2.42 ± 0.401 ; Fe of 2.50 ± 0.410 ; Mn of 1.31 ± 0.210 ; Pb of 3.36 ± 0.401 mg/kg, while the samples of fresh Hyparrhenia hirta flowers (FHHF) gave Cu of 9.77 ± 0.610 ; Zn of 0.70 ± 0.200 ; Fe of 2.11 ± 0.200 ; Mn of 1.15 ± 0.080 ; Pb of 3.15 ± 0.100 mg/kg.

Abundance of metal concentrations follows the order: Cu > Fe > Pb > Mn > Zn in the flower samples of Cymbopogon validus and Hyparrhenia hirta species.

The concentrations of trace metals in both plant parts were below the permissible limits (PL) set by WHO.

It is suggested that pharmacovigilance be carried out periodically to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of various herbal products.