STUDY OF METAL LEVELS IN LEMONGRASS ESSENTIAL OIL
Krishnakant Gaun , Shefali Agrahari
S.N College of Pharmacy, Babupur (222132), Lakhauwa Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh
Abstract
Lemongrass has been noted for its use in various parts of Nigeria to treat conditions such as fever, convulsions in children, throat inflammation, digestive problems, skin disorders, and infections affecting the ears and eyes. It is also a common ingredient in dishes like pepper soup, curries, and local drinks. Given this context, it is important to assess the metal content, as high consumption of lemongrass oil or extended exposure may pose health risks. In this research, lemongrass oil was extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus, and its metal content was evaluated using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results were compared with similar studies in the literature and the acceptable limits for medicinal plants as established by the WHO. The findings revealed the presence of several metallic elements along with their respective concentrations: magnesium (14.159 mg/kg), lead (1.379 mg/kg), zinc (0.844 mg/kg), mercury (0.728 mg/kg), chromium (0.530 mg/kg), copper (0.267 mg/kg), iron (0.167 mg/kg), cadmium (0.080 mg/kg), manganese (0.009 mg/kg), and arsenic (not detected). The metal composition is deemed acceptable and tolerable according to WHO standards, with the exception of mercury. Therefore, it is vital to continuously monitor metal concentrations to ensure the safety of those who consume or utilize lemongrass, and to prevent excessive intake to avoid associated health issues such as neuropathy, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer
Keywords: Materials and methods, Arsenic, Extraction, Heavy metals, Lemongrass, Medicinal plants, Soxhlet extractor,
Journal Name :
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EPRA International Journal of Research & Development (IJRD)
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Published on : 2025-11-08
| Vol | : | 10 |
| Issue | : | 11 |
| Month | : | November |
| Year | : | 2025 |