Elemental Composition and Health Risk Assessment of Smyrnium erfoliatum (L.): A Medicinal Plant with Therapeutic Potential

Smyrnium perfoliatum (L.) is a biennial plant that originated in the Mediterranean and  southwestern Asia. Still, it has been widely naturalized in Western Europe since ancient times for Its medicinal value. Some Smyrnium species having been used for their diuretic and depurative properties as well as aperient and antiscorbutic action, different species have been used traditionally for conditions such as indigestion, cystitis, urinary tract infections and gynecological problems. Minerals are necessary for metabolic processes and tissue function, which are necessary for human health as micronutrient deficiency leads to severe health problems. In this study trace and heavy metals, Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) and estimated daily intakes (EDIs) were investigated.

Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) was employed. The contents of the trace elements Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn were 16.730, 41.628, 4.195 and 13.376 (ppm), respectively. These elements are important for biological systems in minimal amounts, since they participate in redox processes and/or function as enzyme cofactors. The concentrations of heavy metals Cr and Ni were measured at 1.753 and 0.834 ppm, respectively. As a result of the fact that the quantities of heavy and toxic metals were discovered to be below the acceptable limits for medical use, the plant is regarded as safe and is recommended for collecting for the purposes of pharmaceuticals