Investigation of Heavy Metals Contents in Malawian Vernonia glabra (Steetz) Vatke Leaves, Trichodesma zeylanicum Roots and Securidaca longepedunculata (Fresen) Roots

Medicinal plants are a source of chemical substances that have different biological activities including treatment of diseases. Trichodesma zeylanicumm, Securidaca longepedunculata and Vernonia glabra are some of the medicinal plants used in Malawi to treat wound infections and other diseases. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the essential and non essential heavy metals present in the three medicinal plants. The samples were digested by dry digestion method and analysed using microwave plasma – atomic emission spectrometer system. It was observed that the highest levels of metal concentration was recorded for iron (42.47 ppm) found in S. longepedunculata, followed by Magnesium (21.03 ppm) in T. zeylanicum and also iron (13.89 ppm) in V. glabra. The results shows that the levels of heavy metals in the three medicinal plants are within the WHO permissible range except for S. longepedunculata which have higher levels of toxic element, chromium, 2.76 ppm.

Author(s): Frank Ngonda

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