Estimation of Antidiabetic Trace Elements in Some Commonly Consumed Plants of West Bengal

Abstract

Introduction: Trace elements are required by human body in very minute quantities for normal functioning of the body. They are necessary and essential for good health. Trace elements mainly act as cofactors to different enzymatic reactions. Abnormalities in trace element levels in human body can possibly lead to dysfunctions and disorders. Diabetes is a myriad of metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. Trace elements are involved in different processes in control of diabetes such homeostasis of glucose and regulation of insulin despite being a small part of living tissues. Objectives: The present work is focused on determining the amount of zinc, chromium and selenium content of leaves of some commonly consumed plants in the state of West Bengal by using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and understanding their role as an anti-diabetic agent. Plants having medicinal properties are used in treatment of large number of diseases, including metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Materials and Methods: Two methods were used for digestion of plant samples: Wet oxidation and Dry ashing followed by AAS analysis. Conclusion: The study explored that Mentha spicata L. has maximum contribution to diabetes because of its significant content of anti-diabetic trace elements. The result can be useful for nutritional suggestion for diabetes patients as well as for the preparation of herbal formulation for diabetes mellitus in future.