Abstract

TRACE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF CLERODENDRUM SPECIES IN MANIPUR

M. Kavita Devi, Dr. Th. Brojendro Singh*, Dr. R. K. Rajeshwari Devi, Bonny Khuraijam and Th. Sharatchandra Singh

ABSTRACT

The genus Clerodendrum L. (Verbenaceae) is very widely distributed in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world and is comprised of small trees, shrub and herbs. Among the Clerodendrum species, Clerodendrum glandulosum coleb is an herb endemic to North-eastern region of Indian and commonly known as “Kuthap laba”. The term “Kuthap” is a combination of “Ku” meaning a wooden “Coffin” and “Thap” “distant” which literally means that a person using the plant as food or medicine is shielded or kept away from ills and ailments. It has a long association with the culture and tradition of Manipur since early 16th century. The plant is used on many occasion by the people living both in the valley and hills. Others species also used for medicinal purposes. In the present study four different Clerodendrum species are analyzed for the presence of seven various trace elements. The trace element in the medicinal plants play an important role in the treatment of diseases. The deficiency or excess of trace element leads to various complications and metabolic disorders in human beings. The elements analyzed in the samples are Fe,Zn,Cu,Mo,Cr,V and Mn. These elements are found to present in considerable concentrations. Out of these elements Cr and V are present in high concentration, Cr 7.42 ppb to 9.83 ppb and V 2.25 to 9.75ppb. The concentration of Cr and V is highest in Clerodendrum siphonanthus 9.83±1.337 and Clerodendrum serratum 9.75±0.18 respectively. These trace elements have a definite role. in metabolism, growth and development. The analysis of the elements was done with the help of Graphite Furnace-Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (GF-AAS), Model: Analytic Jena Vario-6.

Keywords: Medicinal Plants, Nutrition, Trace Elements, Concentration, Metabolic.