Trace Elements in Two Varities of Indigenous Medicinal Plant Catharanthus roseus (Vinca rosea)

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate the elemental constitutes in two varieties of indigenous medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus Vern Sada Bhar misapplied name was Vinca rosea. All parts of both varieties i.e. V. rosea with pink flower and other with white flower were analysed for elements, Ca, Na, K, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, Co, Mn, Ni, Cr, Cd, Pb, Ba and Al, by wet digestion method and available elements in decoction of each part of both varieties, using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The level of essential elements such as Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu is present in considerable amount. The level of available Zn was observed in decoction of flower as compared to other parts of plant. High level of Fe was observed in pink flower variety of V. rosea. The level of Al was high in flower of V. rosea white variety as compared to flower of V. rosea pink variety. In decoction the level of essential elements is high as compared to toxic elements.