Elemental characterisation of the medical herbs Salvia officinalis L. and Teucrium montanum L. grown in Croatia

In the presented study samples of sage (Salvia officinalis L) and mountain germander (Teucrium montanum L) as well as infusions prepared from them were investigated for their mineral composition ranging from trace to major elements. Element concentrations in the medical herbs and their infusions were determined by ICP-AES. The following elements were studied: Al, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn. Blossoms and leaves of the herb samples were digested in a microwave oven in order to determine the total content of the elements of interest. Infusions were prepared using distilled water of different temperature and applying various decoction times. The extraction yields for all elements present in the infusions were calculated. The essential elements Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn are present in the whole overground herb and infusions at concentration levels of mu g/L, whereas Ca, K, Mg, and Na in mg/L. The toxic elements Cd and Pb were found only in the whole overground herb at very low concentrations, but not in the final infusions. High amounts of K, Mg, and Na in the resulting infusions justify the use of this herb as nutritional supplement in addition to the organic compounds. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.