The energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopic study of <em>Solanum rubrum</em> Mill: A potential ayurvedic traditional medicinal plant

Abstract

Trace Elemental concentration of the Ayurvedic medicinal plant, <em>Karunthakali</em> (<em>Solanum rubrum</em> Mill), is investigated for the first time in detail, using EDXRF technique. Ca, K, S, Si, Cl, and Fe are the elements found more in leaf while K, Si, AL, Fe, Ca, S, and Mg are more in the root, and which are available in mg/g level. V, Cr, Cu, Rb, As, Co, Se, Br, and Pd are available in µg/g level. The lowest concentration of heavy minerals and a higher concentration of essential minerals placed it in the traditional medicine of <em>Ayurveda</em> system. Presence of Rb in leaf and root (1:2) <img src='/image/spc_char/wave.gif' border=0> 70 µg/g plays a crucial role in the central nervous system of human body. This paper explores the maximum possible utility of it in the pharmaceutical industry in accordance with its content of the elemental composition. This may be classified as poisonous plant due to its higher content of the aluminium.