Investigation of Some Trace Elements and Heavy Metals Concentrations in Selected Sudanese Medicinal Plants

In Sudan, medicinal plants represent the primary source of health care. Therefore, determining the content of trace elements and heavy metals are of high importance. Thus, the purpose of this research is to investigate the content of trace elements (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) and heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd and Hg) in 30 selected Sudanese medicinal plants using Energy Dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique (EDXRF). Twelve elements K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Br, Rb, Sr, Ti and Zr were determined, and the concentrations of As, Cd and Hg below the detection limits. Using SPSS, the correlation between elements was performed; also cluster analysis checked the similarity between the samples results. The obtained results showed that the contents of the trace elements and heavy metals in the investigated medicinal plants species within the allowable safety limits except for Fe. The consumption of traditional Sudanese medicinal plants does not appear to pose a health risk factor by metals.