Abstract
The concentrations of elements in pharmaceuticals derived from plant seeds were determined by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. The concentrations of Ca, Si, Cl, K, S, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, P, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, Hg, and Zr were quantified; only Si (10 +/- 1 to 70,000 +/- 110mg kg(-1)), S (10 +/- 2 to 12,4000 +/- 243mg kg(-1)), K (4,000 +/- 58 to 24,000 +/- 70mg kg(-1)), Ca (2200 +/- 35 to 87,000 +/- 150mg kg(-1)), Mn (21 +/- 4 to 1956 +/- 17mg kg(-1)), and Fe (100 +/- 7 to 5150 +/- 70mg kg(-1)) were present in all samples. These results may validate the use of these pharmaceuticals for the treatment of disease due to high concentrations of essential elements Mn, Ca, Mn, K, Mg, Zn, Cl, Fe, and P. Mercury was present in some products below standard values. The results also have quality control applications because of the widespread use of these pharmaceuticals.