Quantitative elemental analysis of Cyperus rotundus medicinal plant by PIXE and ICP-MS techniques

Abstract

Particle induced x-ray emission (PIXE) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) techniques have been employed in this work to determine the elements present in the root of <em>Cyperus rotundus </em>medicinal plant used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The elements V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb and Sr were commonly identified and quantified by both PIXE and ICP-MS, whereas, the elements Li, Be, Al, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Ba, Tl, Pb and U were determined by ICP-MS and Cl, K, Ca, Ti and Br were determined by PIXE. The regional variation of elemental content has also been studied by analyzing the same plant collected from different geographical locations. Information on elemental content of the medicinal plant would be helpful in correlating its ability in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and also in deciding the dosage of this herbal medicine from metal toxicity point of view.