MINOR AND TRACE ELEMENTAL DETERMINATION IN THE INDIAN HERBAL AND OTHER MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS

Medicinal plants described in the Indian ''Ayurvedic'' literature viz. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Gulvel (Tinospora cardifolia), bitter Neem (A zadirachta indica), Kanher (Nerium Andicum), Vekhand (Acorus calamus), and Peacock's feather (ash) were analyzed for minor and trace element s by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The samples and the sta ndards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA an d IAEA, Vienna were irradiated for 5 min, 1 h, 5 h, and 10 h with ther mal neutrons at a flux of 10(12) - 10(13) n cm(-2) s(-1) in APSARA and CIRUS reactor at BARC, Bombay. High resolution gamma ray spectrometry was performed using a 45 cm(3) HPGe detector and a 4096 MCA system. C oncentrations of 13 elements were determined. Zinc, manganese, and sod ium were significantly higher in Tulsi leaves while zinc is higher in Neem leaves. Peacock's feathers were found to be rich in manganese, ir on, copper, and zinc. A high concentration of mercury was also found i n the peacock's feather ash. The therapeutic significance in restoring ionic balance is discussed.