Determination of Selected Metals in Leaf and Root Bark of Malva Parviflora

Abstract

In Ethiopia, Malva parviflora (family: Malvaceae) leaf is used as a vegetable and its root bark is used to treat furuncles, carbuncles, wound infections and other related ailments. However, no research has been done to analyze essential and toxic metals in leaf part and the metals having antibacterial and wound healing activities in root bark of this plant. Thus, the present study was aimed to determine concentration of K, Na, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Ni in leaf par; and Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Co in root bark of Malva parviflora. The results revealed that the leaf part contains high amounts of Na, K, Mg, and Ca. Similarly, high concentrations of Mg and Ca were detected in the root bark. Appreciable amounts of Fe and Zn, and low amount of Cu were detected in both leaf part and root bark. Concentrations of Co, Ni, Cd, and Pb were below the method detection limit. Thus, leaf of Malva parviflora is a good source of essential nutrients (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, and Zn) and the presence of Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn and Cu might contribute to the therapeutic action of root bark of Malva parviflora.

Keywords: Malva parviflora, Vegetable, Medicinal plants, Metals

DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/9-6-01

Publication date:March 31^st 2019