Determination of Pollutants and Mineral Element Levels in Widely Consumed Medicinal Plants in Mazandaran Province

Extensive use of various forms of medicinal plants makes it necessary to continuously monitor the production and supply of these plants. Also, it is important to study metal and pesticide contaminants in medicinal plants in order to prevent hazards from their consumption. This study aimed at investigating the pollutants and mineral element levels in widely consumed medicinal plants in Mazandaran province, Iran.

In this descriptive study, 19 plant samples, including Melissa officinalis, Mentha piperita, Echium amoenum, Lippia citriodora, Rosa damascena, etc. were collected from four medicinal plant farms in Behshahr, Sari, Babol, and Baladeh Noor in Mazandaran province in spring and summer of 2020. Measurement of elements in plant samples was performed using induction coupled plasma device (ICP) and Determination of agricultural pesticide residues was carried out using GC/MS.

Among the samples examined, residues of agricultural pesticides were not detected in any samples. Different levels of heavy metals and essential elements in the same species of plants could be due to various factors, including water, soil, and air pollution. The highest amount of lead was observed in lemon beebrush (5.938 ppm) in Behshahr and peppermint (4.4 31 ppm) in Babol. The highest amount of cadmium was detected in stevia collected (0.291 ppm) from Sari.

Despite the relative lack of risk of samples studied, different forms of medicinal plants should be used with caution. Medicinal plant farms also need to be regularly monitored and precautions must be taken to control heavy metal contamination in plant-based foods.