Determination of Inorganic Element Concentrations in the Roots of Plumbago zeylanica L.

Inorganic element concentrations in the roots of Plumbago zeylanica L. were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry following microwave-assisted digestion. The most abundant elements were Al, Ca, Fe, Mn, Mg, P, and K, while other elements, including As, B, Cd, Co, Cu, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti, V, Zn, and Cr, were also determined. The results were subjected to chemometrics analyses that indicated that the collection time significantly affected the inorganic element concentrations. Further, the planting method, soil property, fertilizer and vegetative cover also affected the inorganic element concentrations in the roots of Plumbago zeylanica L. Notably, cultivated samples showed different inorganic element concentrations compared to the wild samples. The implications for the quality control and pharmacology of Plumbago zeylanica L. are discussed.