Essential and toxic elements in three Pakistan's medicinal fruits (Punica granatum Ziziphus jujuba and Piper cubeba) analysed by INAA.

摘要

Punica granatum (pomegranates), Ziziphus jujuba (jujubes) and Piper cubeba (cubeb peppers), generally used by the people of Pakistan for the treatment of different diseases, were analysed for their mineral contents. 22 major and minor trace elements (essential, toxic and non-essential) were identified by employing an instrumental NAA technique. The studied foods were found to be a good source of essential elements, while toxic elements were found in trace amounts. K was detected as a major element in pomegranate, jujube and cubeb pepper at 1.20, 1.18 and 2.01%, respectively. Pomegranate had significant concn. of Na, Zn, Cr and Se, jujube had high Cl, Zn, Mn and Co contents, while cubeb pepper was a good source of K and Fe. The baseline data presented in this study can be used to understand the role of mineral elements in the nutritive, preventive and therapeutic properties of these foods.