BARC/PUB/2005/0320

 
 

Determination of minor and trace elements in Trifala - a herbal preparation

 
     
 
Author(s)

Garg, A. N.;  A. Kumar; Nair, A. G. C.; Reddy, A. V. R.
(RCD)

Source

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 2005. Vol. 263 (3): pp. 751-758

ABSTRACT

Eight different brands of Trifala and its three constituents, Amalaki (Embilica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) and Haritaki (Tchebula) were analyzed for 6 minor (Na, K, Mg, Ca, CI and P) and 19 trace (AI, Ba, Br, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Eu, Hf, Hg, La, Mn, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Th, V and Zn) elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis (lNAA). Two candidate reference materials Tea Leaves (TL-l) and Mixed Polish Herbs (MPH-2) were also analyzed as a part of lntercomparison Study besides several reference materials (RMs) for quality control. The samples along with RMs were irradiated with thermal neutrons in APSARA/Dhruva reactors at BARC, Mumbai and their activity measured on HPGe detector and 8K MCA system. Also Ni, Cu, Cd and Pb contents were detennined by AAS. Bibhitaki is found to be enriched in Fe (0.98 mg/g), P (1.10 mg/g), Co (1.74 fig/g) and Se (240 ng/g) including alkali and alkaline earth metals. Availability of many nutrient elements such as Mg, Ca, K, Fe, and Se in Trifala is attributed to its usefulness in the treatment of liver disorder, heart ailments, hepatic diseases and cancer, as expectorant, powerful eye rejuvenator and an antioxidant.

 
 
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