Elemental concentrations of some Ayurvedic drugs using energy dispersive XRF

Summary

Elemental concentration of nineteen Ayurvedic drugs have been measured using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis. Concentrations of nineteen elements: Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr and Hg have been determined using emission transmission method with Mo target. K, Ca and Fe were detected in all samples and their concentrations ranged from 0.35-2.88%, 0.346-8.65% and 0.007-36.7%, respectively. Maximum concentration measured in other elements ranged from 0.006% to 40.7%. The multi element and non-destructive nature of the method offers a simple way to establish the quality of the drugs that contain heavy metals in considerable concentration.