Determination of heavy metals from Leucas aspera using atomic absorption spectroscopic technique

Many mineral elements occur in plant and animal tissues in very minute quantities, which earlier scientists were unable to measure their precise concentration with analytical methods then available. Modern analytical technique like atomic absorption spectroscopy has the ability to measure almost all the trace elements in the smallest of biological samples with great precision and accuracy. There is also a need for heavy metal analysis to be an integral part of the standardization of herbal medicines. Leucas aspera is a herb with white colour flowers, largely occurring in plains. It has been used against various ailments of which anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activities and diabetes are few to name. Five common heavy metals Fe, Zn, Cr, Cu and Pb were analysed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Among the five metals analyzed in whole plant powder of Leucas aspera, Fe showed higher concentration while others were within the normal range.