Evaluation of macro and microminerals in crude drugs and infusions of five herbs widely used as sedatives.

PETENATTI, MARTA E.; PETENATTI, ELISA M.; DEL VITTO, LUIS A.; TÉVES, MAURICIO R.; CAFFINI, NÉSTOR O.; MARCHEVSKY, EDUARDO JORGE; PELLERANO, ROBERTO G.

REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE FARMACOGNOSIA

JOHN BENJAMINS PUBLISHING COMPANY

Año: 2011 vol. 21 p. 1144 - 1149

0102-695X

It has been determined the concentration of fourteen micro and macrominerals (Al, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Se, and Zn) in both crude drugs and infusions of Melissa officinalis L., Lamiaceae, Nepeta cataria L., Lamiaceae, Passiflora caerulea L., Passifloraceae, Tilia x moltkei Späth ex C.K. Schneid., Tiliaceae, and Valeriana officinalis L., Caprifoliaceae. These herbs are widely consumed by its sedative properties, either alone or in herb mixtures. All measurements were performed using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The products were obtained from regional markets, mainly in San Luis province (Argentina). The estimated daily intake was compared with current recommendations. All products and its infusions were included within the upper tolerable limits for minerals, in trace elements such as toxic elements present at low levels.