Heavy Metal Contents of Melissa Which is Sold in Herbalists

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the heavy metal content that is important in human health and the plants sold as Melissa L. in herbalists. Plant samples were purchased from 14 different herbalist and specimens were identified by Flora of Turkey. Heavy metal contents (Fe, Co, Mn, Zn, Al, Cd) and some nutrients (Na, K, Ca, Mg) were identified by the ICP-OES method. As a result of the diagnoses, 4 of 14 samples were Melissa officinalis L. and others were identified as Lippia citriodora. According to ICP analysis, Zn, Cd and Co were not found in any sample. Other elements were found to be Al 200.93-695.29 mg/kg, Fe 4.51-339.37 mg/kg, Mn 1.61-73.59 mg/kg, Mg 3611.17-10001.73 mg/kg, Ca 9727.78-25435.9 mg/kg, K 10484.44-21975.71 mg/ kg, Na 176.78-524.97 mg/kg, respectively. Fe, Ca and Mg has been found above the level of toxic effects in terms of human health, while other elements were within the optimum limit.