Comparative Analysis of Trace Element Content in Pectoral Species

INTRODUCTION. Trace elements can influence the pharmacological effect of herbal medicinal products. However, their quality control is currently limited to assessing the content of only toxic elements (Pb, Cd, Hg, As), without evaluating the complete trace element profile. Therefore, studies on the elemental composition of complex herbal products available on the pharmaceutical market are highly relevant.
AIM. To perform a comparative assessment of the trace element content (Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sr, Zn) in pharmacopoeial pectoral species.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. The objects of the study were samples of pectoral species No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4 produced by Russian manufacturers. The content of the seven elements specified in the aim was determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES).
RESULTS. The content (mg/kg) of trace elements in the pectoral species samples varied within the following ranges: Fe 134.9–707.8; Mn 25.6–248.7; Cu 3.8–16.9; Zn 4.3–35.7; Al 184.2–769.8; Ba 8.4–43.8; Sr 74.3–254.6. The elements differed in concentration levels: Fe and Al — high; Sr and Mn — medium; Ba, Cu, and Zn — low. The estimated daily intake for humans was: Ba 0.08–0.43 mg/day; Cu 0.03–0.16 mg/day, which is 3–18 and 19–100 times lower, respectively, than the established acceptable daily intake levels (1.4 and 3.0 mg/day) set by Decision No. 138 of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EAEC).
CONCLUSIONS. For the first time, a comparative analysis of the trace element content (Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sr, Zn) in pectoral species No. 1–4 from different manufacturers has been conducted. The trace element profile revealed that the content of trace elements in individual mixtures varied by a factor of 3–8, depending on the sources of raw materials selected by the manufacturer. Distinct accumulation patterns were identified for each mixture: pectoral species No. 1 showed the highest Fe content; No. 2 — the highest Sr content; and No. 4 — the highest levels of Mn, Cu, and Zn. These findings should be taken into account when using phytotherapy for the treatment and prevention of upper respiratory tract diseases.

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