Elemental Distribution in Medicinal Plants Commonly Used in Folklore Medicine in Mexico
February 1997
in “
International journal of environmental analytical chemistry
”
TLDR Most medicinal plants in Mexican folklore have safe element levels, but arsenic exceeds safe limits in almost all.
The study from 27 years ago analyzed 22 elements in 30 medicinal plants used in Mexican folklore medicine and found that, except for bromine, the concentrations were similar to those in comparable agricultural products. The elements were grouped by concentration levels, with 11 showing a consistent distribution pattern. Although most elemental concentrations were consistent with safe limits, arsenic levels exceeded the safe value of 0.05 µg/g in all but one sample. The study highlighted that elemental concentration can vary due to environmental factors and that the actual uptake depends on the preparation method of the plants. It suggested further research on element transfer efficiency during preparation to assess potential toxicity risks.
