Comparative analysis of elemental profile of medicinal herbs of the central Black Earth Region

Modern studies confirm the fundamental role of macro- and microelements in the formation of biological activity of medicinal plants. Medicinal plants such as knotweed ( Polygonum aviculare L.), yarrow common ( Achillea millefolium L.), wormwood bitter ( Artemisia absinthium L.), motherwort five-lobed ( Leonurus quinquelobatus Gilib.) are widely used as traditional, and in traditional medicine, while being able to accumulate both vital and toxic elements. Objective - to conduct a comparative elemental analysis of medicinal herbs harvested in the natural phytocenosis of the Voronezh region. Materials and methods. Plant herbs are harvested in the phenophase of flowering on the territory of the Voronezh State Biosphere Reserve (environmentally friendly zone). In parallel with grass harvesting, soil samples were taken from the upper horizon (0-20 cm). The elemental composition of medicinal herbs and soil after preliminary sample preparation by the method of acid and microwave decomposition was determined by the method of mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma on the ELAN-DRC spectrometer in accordance with the methodological instructions of MUK 4.1.1483-03. Results. 59 elements were quantified. All studied plants are active batteries of phosphorus, potassium, zinc and copper, which is emphasized by their vital importance in plant physiology. Yarrow and wormwood of bitter grass have high selectivity in mineral nutrition - they actively accumulate essential elements, and block the flow of the rest, which characterizes their metabolism as highly specialized. Highlanders of bird and motherwort five-lobed grass are characterized by lower selectivity in the accumulation of elements, absorb elements with a wider front, which can be an adaptation to unstable conditions or rapid growth. The identified features for hyperaccumulation of copper by wormwood, cobalt and nickel motherwort, five-lobed, lithium yarrow create a specific mineral profile that can modulate the activity of enzymes involved in the synthesis of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, i.e. directly affect the pharmacological potential of the raw material. Conclusion. The studies carried out confirm the rich and safe macro- and microelement profile of medicinal herbs of natural phytocenosis of the Central Black Earth Region. However, growing on the same soil, medicinal plants form a completely different elemental composition of the aerial part, reflecting their adaptation strategies and potential opportunities for use in medicine and nutritionology.

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