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Study of Heavy Metals in the Leaf of Hibiscus Sabdariffa Linn (Roselle) Used in West Africa by the X-ray Fluorescence Technique

Agbo Djama Djoman Alfred*, Djagouri Koudou, Brigui Olkalé Jean-Claude

Laboratoire des Sciences de la Matière, de l’Environnement et de l’Energie Solaire, UFR des Sciences des Structures de la Matière et Technologie, Equipe de physique Nucléaire et Radioprotection, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, Université Félix Houphouët Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract: In this work, ten medicinal and nutritional leaves samples of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn imported from Mali and Burkina Faso in Cote d’Ivoire and sold on the market were collected. The analysis of these plants using Energy Dispersive X Ray Fluorescence Technique showed medicinal roles of some elements of this plant in the human body. Leaves of this plant were analyzed for their trace element contents. The plant samples were found to contain essential chemical elements such as Ca, K, Na, Cl, Mg, Mn, Fe, Zn and Br which are well known for their important roles in in human body (herbal drugs). The elemental concentrations in different in the calyxes of this plant and their biological effects are discussed.

Keywords: energy-dispersive X-Rray Fluorescence (ED-XRF) technique, hibiscus sabdariffa Lin, heavy metals

Received September 07, 2021; Revised October 11, 2021; Accepted October 19, 2021

Citation: Agbo Djama Djoman Alfred, Djagouri Koudou, Brigui Olkalé Jean-Claude, Study of Heavy Metals in the Leaf of Hibiscus Sabdariffa Linn (Roselle) Used in West Africa by the X-ray Fluorescence Technique. Journal of Materials Physics and Chemistry, 9 (2). 63-69. January 2021. doi:10.12691/jmpc-9-2-4

1. Introduction

Hibiscus Sabdariffa Linn is a plant to the family Malvaceae. According to Agbo et al., some literature showed it is commonly called ‘bissap’ or ‘zobo’ to Tropical Africa [1]. The study of Mahadevan and his team showed that he plant is widely grown in tropics like, Africa, Brazil, Australia as a home garden crop [2]. In West Africa, Roselle is called ‘bissap’ and it is known by these names in the pharmaceutical and food-flavoring trades. In this part of Africa, the most populations drink ‘bissap’ juice. It is said rich in vitamin B6, potassium, calcium and other elements that are yet to be characterized. In the works of Ogbeche, the juice extracted from H. Sabdariffa could be used as potential source of vitamin C concentrate, a powerful response agent and important source in the response of body to stress [3]. In this work, the author reported that hypertension is a disease and requires immediate therapy by drinking freshly prepared, low sugar and refrigerated “bissap”. Leaves of this plant are also widely consumed as nutritional preparations in Côte d’Ivoire. In this study, we focused on heavy metals and essential elements from this plant. We also discussed about their roles in the human body. This work is carried out Energy Dispersive X ray Fluorescence Technique (ED-XRF).

2. Material and Method

2.1. Methodology

Samples of freshly harvested H. Sabdariffa calyces imported to Côte d’Ivoire were collected from the local markets of Côte d’Ivoire (Figure 1), ten types of herbs shown in Table 1, each sample was dried and blended until it became powder. About 300 mg of each sample were pelletized using a SPECAC press with a pressure of 2 tons/cm² to produce an intermediate thick pellet sample. The pellets produced were kept in a desiccator for at least 24 h to get rid of the moisture contents. Olive leaves (BCR No 62) was used as the standard reference materials for the validation of the analytical results.

Table 1. Herbal samples investigated in this study

Figure 1. Map sampling shown sites sampling in black points

2.2. Instrumentation

Instrumentation and sample analysis: The irradiation was done using an EDXRF spectrometer at the XRF laboratory of Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC). Tube excited X-ray photons from a Mo-anode in a Mo secondary target excitation arrangement was used. The tube was operated at 45 kV/5 mA. A 30 mm² active area Si(Li) detector with an energy resolution (FWHM) of 165 eV at 5.9 keV Mn K", placed at 45º to the sample surface area was used for detection of characteristic photons. An ortec maestro multichannel analyzer program was employed for the data collection(peak collection). Three irradiations were made for each sample, being the intermediate thick sample, multielement target and Sample + Target for a spectrum collection life time of 1500 s. Linear least squares fitting of the AXIL software program was used for the spectrum deconvolution (IAEA, 2005). Emission-Transmission method in the QXAS package was used to convert spectrum peak areas to concentrations [4].

3. Results and Discussion

In the Table 2, the results of the elemental analysis showed that there were nine elements. The major elements detected were potassium, sodium, chloride and calcium. The trace elements were; manganese, iron, zinc, arsenic, bromine, and magnesium at various concentrations.

Table 2. Concentrations of Elements in H. Sabdariffa in ppm

In the Figure 2, the Ca content in various calyxes samples analyzed varies from a minimum of 7664 mg/kg in sample from Dje Kanou market of Koumassi to a maximum of 32730 mg/kg in sample of H. Sabdarifa sold at Cocody market. Calcium is a mineral element, the most abundant in the body, which contributes to strengthening the bones.

Figure 2.

Piste et al showed in his studies that the maximum of the calcium content (99%) in the body is found in the bones and teeth, where it provides strength. In these works, they reported that level of calcium in the blood is an indicator of bone health. They also assessed that the remaining one percentage (1%) is involved in the functioning of our nerve and muscle cells, such as the heart and blood vessels, also regulates the acid-base balance and blood clotting. It is confirmed that long term of calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis in which the bone deteriorates and there is an increased rise of fractures. Eating a well-balanced diet can provide all the necessary nutrients and help prevent calcium deficiency [5]. In the graphic 2, all species of H. Sabdariffa collected in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) markets contain Ca element. The role of Ca in the human body and the quantity (7664 ppm minimum to 32730 ppm maximum) can explain why the most of population use this plant and its juice. In this present work, the potassium (Figure 3) values, varie from 13441 ppm to 49490 ppm. Potassium is an essential mineral element and Cem Ekmekcioglu showed that this element plays main roles for the resting membrane potential and the intracellular dehydration. His study showed that it has been known also that potassium also affects endothelial and vascular smooth muscle functions. The conclusion of these works showed it has been that an increase in potassium intake shifts blood pressure to a more preferable level [6].

Figure 3.

Figure 4.

Figure 5.

According to Shenkin, Manganese is widely distributed in the body as an enzyme activator. In addition, Mn deficiency could cause skin damage, anemia and hypercholesterolemia for the human body. It helps in eliminating fatigue and reduces nervous irritability [7]. Mn concentrations (Figure 2) varie from 187.3 mg/kg at Bingerville market to 960.9 mg/kg at Cocody market. Appreciable high concentrations are found in calixes of H. sabdariffa (960.9 ppm) Cocody at market, (332.9 ppm) Bingerville market (B), (187.3 ppm) Bingerville market (M), (317.5 ppm) Gouro market Adjame, (224.9 ppm) Treichville market, (300.3 ppm), Koumassi Grand-market (230.3 ppm) Koumassi Djè Kanou market, (360.3 ppm) Market Gouro (M), Marcory market (M) (435.3 ppm) (Table 2). These parts of plant can be used for medicinal preparations to supplement Mn for various body functions.

Glasdam et al have established in their works that magnesium which is abundant cation in the intracellular compartment and whole body is also of great physiologic importance. They were showed that magnesium appears as bound and free ionized forms depending on physico-chemical parameters (temperature, pH, ionic strength, and competing ions).They reported that free magnesium participates in many biochemical processes [8]. In the Table, all calyxes of H. sabdariffa investigated here contain magnesium but it is quite prominent in calyxes at Market of Cocody (8181 mg/Kg), calyxes at Bingerville market (3580 mg/kg).

Munteanu and Iluita showed in their works in 2011 that Na+ is a cellular activator, plays a decisive role in cell excitability processes in the genesis and transmission of action potentials. It is influent in an accumulation of amino acids in the extracellular space. It acts as an activator of fraction in enzymatic reactions. [9]. Samples of H. sabdariffa that were found to be rich in sodium contents are the calyxes 311.2 mg/Kg at Gouro market of Adjame, 262.8 mg/kg at Cocody market and 195.6 mg/kg at Port-Bouet market (Table 2). The works of Hercberg focused on mineral zinc is important for the growth and multiplication of cells such as enzymes responsible for DNA and RNA synthesis [10]. The medical scientific literature has established that zinc deficiency provoked recurrent infections and lack of immunity. This deficiency caused growth retardation, male hypogonadism, skin changes, poor appetite and mental lethargy are some of the manifestations of chronic in humans [11]. In this study, the analysis showed that Zn element exists in the sample of H. Sabdariffa (Table 2). Linder and Hazegh-Azam focused on iron in the body is associated with hemoglobin and the transfer of oxygen from lungs to the tissue cells and Zn also, strengthens the immune system [12]. In the graphic 7, Zn contents varies from minimum 1.9 ppm to 8.4 ppm maximum. The graphical presentation of Fe levels is seen in Figure 8. The Fe concentration levels of in H. Sabdariffa leaves renders them good enough to be used for the treatment of anemia. Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in humans [13] and is commonly caused by insufficient dietary intake. All leaves of H. Sabdariffa different markets contain Fe element ,these concentrations in markets are :Gouro Market of Adjamé (B), 5.4 ± 0.5 ppm, Grand market of Treichville, 6.1 ± 1.2 ppm, Koumassi Grand-market, 14 ± 1.5 ppm, Market Djè Kanou of Koumassi, 18.6 ± 2.1 ppm, Port-Bouet Grand market, 10.8 ± 3.1 ppm, Gouro Market of Adjamé (M), 17.3 ± 6.2 ppm, Market of Marcory, 14.5 ±3.1 ppm, Market of Cocody, 16.1 ± 4.1 ppm, Market of Bingerville(B), 6.1 ± 0.5 ppm and Market of Bingerville (M), 10.4 ± 1.2 ppm. In the Table 2, all samples analyzed contain Br. Concentrations of bromine in H. sabdariffa calyxes varie from 11.32 mg/Kg minimum to 22.34 mg/Kg maximum (Figure 2).

Figure 6.

Figure 7.

Figure 8.

Figure 9.

The conclusions of Bromine (Br) works of Kohlmeier et al explained why this element is used by eosinophilic leukocytes for immune defense. The consequences of chronically low intake are uncertain; growth retardation and insomnia have been observed and suggested [14]. The study of Merrill et al focused on that concentrations of chloride are not homeostatically controlled. They concluded in this study that concentrations of this element change in parallel with sodium concentrations [15].

All samples analyzed contain this element (Cl). The concentrations varie from 1036 ppm minimum to 5036 ppm maximum (Table 2). We found important concentration in calixes of H. sabdariffa (5036 ppm) Cocody at market, (2029 ppm) Port-Bouet market), Marcory market (M) (2025 ppm), Bingerville market (1853 ppm), (1732 ppm) Gouro market Adjame (M), (1717 ppm) Gouro market Adjame, Treichville market (1500 ppm), Koumassi Grand-market (1363 ppm) Koumassi Djè Kanou market (1036 ppm), Bingerville market (1516 ppm) (Table 2).

Figure 10.

4. Conclusion

The study of calyxes of H. sabdariffa showed that it contained essential elements such as Ca, K, Cl, Mg, Br, Mn and Na. These macro-minerals are important in large amounts. They play essential structural roles (calcium) and function as electrolytes (sodium and potassium). The consumption of this plant bring to users contributes to strengthening the bones (Ca), shifts blood pressure to a more preferable level (K), help in eliminating fatigue and reduces nervous irritability (Mn), participate in many biochemical processes (Mg), distributes of total body water (Na) and used by eosinophilic leukocytes for immune defense (Br). About Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), we report how the calyxes of H. Sabdariffa can be used against anemia (Fe) and strengthens the immune system (Zn).

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the University Felix Houphouet-Boigny for the use of their facilities and The Laboratory of X ray fluorescence of Ghana atomic Energy for their cooperation.

References

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[14]   | Martin Kohlmeier, 2003, in Nutrient Metabolism.
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